Srecko Sostar

What irritates me the most ... really burns my overweight butt ... is that the Secular Authorities HAVE THE MORAL HIGH GROUND.

Why? You ask why?!!! I am sure how you will recall why, if somebody say - Because all of you who are PROUD to call yourself JW's aka Christians  - need to be LIGHT of The World.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Please reconsider again, in the LIGHT of verse above, how Funny, Spiritually Immature and Unscriptural is Lawyers words through the mouth of GB FDS individual !! 
Read Again:
.. if the Australian Government, in all the States, was to make mandatory reporting, it would make it so much easier for us.
NOTHING about LIGHT FROM ABOVE, but about - Make It Easier For Us.   :(( ... shame to them.
 

Why? You ask why?!!! I am sure how you will recall why, if somebody say - Because all of you who are PROUD to call yourself JW's aka Christians  - need to be LIGHT of The World.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Please reconsider again, in the LIGHT of verse above, how Funny, Spiritually Immature and Unscriptural is Lawyers words through the mouth of GB FDS individual !! 
Read Again:
.. if the Australian Government, in all the States, was to make mandatory reporting, it would make it so much easier for us.
NOTHING about LIGHT FROM ABOVE, but about - Make It Easier For Us.   :(( ... shame to them.
 

I think, comparison is often a method that can have some negative and positive consequences. When we compare something, we do it for reasons to choose what is better and what is less good to reject. Understandably, of course. But we see that the next thing can happen, after we have chosen the thing that once was better than others, we later see that it has its disadvantages that we do not like. 
In the case of JW religion, we (or I myself) who came out of the organization did not compare JW religion with another religion and then converted to another faith to become their believers. In fact, we compared the organization with the standards that the same organization placed itself. These standards are; God, the Bible, Jesus' doctrine. Principles of truthfulness and honesty as a commonly accepted value, too. So, we had strong reasons to put WTJWORG under the magnifying glass. Comparing an one imperfect religion to another imperfect religion has no significance and purpose as it may seem at first glance.
Comparing people within a one system is also inadequate. If everyone is doing the best they can, then comparing is actually the wrong measurement of human efforts and achievements.
You may also feel that some assembly is once considered better than another. You've heard perhaps the elders of a congregation think or even argue that the brothers in their assembly are without some disadvantages, that brothers in another assembly have. 
To compare, how one is pioneer and one is not, and ask why, how he /she cannot because he/she can according to our opinion .... and so on.
In general, making comparison is difficult and controversial job. :))  

I think, comparison is often a method that can have some negative and positive consequences. When we compare something, we do it for reasons to choose what is better and what is less good to reject. Understandably, of course. But we see that the next thing can happen, after we have chosen the thing that once was better than others, we later see that it has its disadvantages that we do not like. 
In the case of JW religion, we (or I myself) who came out of the organization did not compare JW religion with another religion and then converted to another faith to become their believers. In fact, we compared the organization with the standards that the same organization placed itself. These standards are; God, the Bible, Jesus' doctrine. Principles of truthfulness and honesty as a commonly accepted value, too. So, we had strong reasons to put WTJWORG under the magnifying glass. Comparing an one imperfect religion to another imperfect religion has no significance and purpose as it may seem at first glance.
Comparing people within a one system is also inadequate. If everyone is doing the best they can, then comparing is actually the wrong measurement of human efforts and achievements.
You may also feel that some assembly is once considered better than another. You've heard perhaps the elders of a congregation think or even argue that the brothers in their assembly are without some disadvantages, that brothers in another assembly have. 
To compare, how one is pioneer and one is not, and ask why, how he /she cannot because he/she can according to our opinion .... and so on.
In general, making comparison is difficult and controversial job. :))  

You have deliberately missed the point. You are comparing the JW Org with the world. But we know the world is filthy and horrible, so yes the Org is a bit better than the world at large.
However you should be comparing the JW Org to God's high standards, then see how smug you can be.  

Wish it were that simple. This is only ONE of the reasons to be insular. Another reason to be insular is to hide the fact that you are just like the world in some areas and still hope that people will think of you as no part of the world. In other words, it's to hide your dirty laundry.
(Romans 13:11-14) . . .. 12 The night is well along; the day has drawn near. Let us therefore throw off the works belonging to darkness and let us put on the weapons of the light. 13 Let us walk decently as in the daytime, not in wild parties and drunkenness, not in immoral intercourse and brazen conduct, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not be planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.
I think it's helpful to always remember that we are talking about crimes: crimes that can be akin to rape and murder and torture and kidnapping and terror. Granted there are some aspects of child sexual abuse that don't appear to sound like crimes. Some persons get caught during the times when they are only "grooming" children for more serious abuse. (Romans 13:14 "planning ahead for the desires of the flesh.") A recent court case includes an elder who was able to convince the other elders that it was "accidental touching" before being caught in several other cases at various stages of abuse. 
I remember when Brother J.R.Brown did an interview and kept focusing on false accusations, accidents, and "lesser" areas of child sexual abuse, such as an 18 year old committing fornication a 16 year old. I didn't see the old 20-20 interview about CSA and still haven't. But I remember listening to J.R.Brown's comments and immediately thinking that he must know that this is a common way to shift attention away from the serious crimes of CSA, which often includes rape/violence. I believe now that the WTS had already paid out millions of dollars even back then, but this is not something that Brother Brown could admit. He made it seem like we didn't really have a problem. I think this kind of hiding, or keeping people in the dark on a matter, could have been very dangerous in that the problem was not dealt with openly. Hinting that matters of "sexual abuse" are associated with apostate lies is another way to keep people in the dark. (Granted that Lett's quote was technically accurate, but it served the same purpose because he was not willing to admit the extent of the problem.)
Brother Jackson at least admitted that these cases of real CSA were not associated with apostate lies. He admitted that it is a real problem in our community, just as it is in the world at large. That was an excellent "change" in the way we began to address the issue. I think it has led to the current shift away from trying to save the reputation of the organization, and make sure that the blame goes to the perpetrator.
Again, I think that even when a person comes to the elders with a case they would like spiritual guidance on, but don't wish to have the case go to the police or other authorities, I think that a desire for privacy should not always be a valid concern. Many types of CSA rise to the level of overriding the legal requirements. Abusers repeatedly are caught repeating the crime with another person. I think there should be times when the elders tell a parent:
"We understand that you want to avoid publicity, embarrassment, and reproach that this would bring on your family and the organization. This family head and 'breadwinner' may even lose his job and no longer be able to easily care for the rest of his family financially. And you may even have the law on your side when it comes to keeping such a terrible thing hidden. But, as for us, we must do all we can to protect the innocent, not the guilty. It is our Christian obligation to protect the innocent, look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and therefore if necessary, to err on the side of mercy and love for the innocent. If we must make a judgment, we should err on the side of those who are often trampled by the world's justice: the children. It's what we are willing to do for the "least of these" that is deemed as if doing the same for Christ himself.
(Proverbs 11:21) . . .Be assured of this: An evil person will not go unpunished, But the children of the righteous will escape.
(Isaiah 10:1, 2) . . .Woe to those who enact harmful regulations, Who constantly draft oppressive decrees,  2 To deny the legal claim of the poor, To deprive the lowly among my people of justice, Making widows their spoil And fatherless children their plunder!
(Matthew 7:11) 11 Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him!
(Matthew 18:2-5) . . .So calling a young child to him, he stood him in their midst 3 and said: “Truly I say to you, unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom of the heavens. 4 Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one who is the greatest in the Kingdom of the heavens; 5 and whoever receives one such young child on the basis of my name receives me also.

Remember that this was only an option because of those whom established this country. Without those freedoms, then those jws you mentioned would have nothing. 

I think it was you that got burned Kid, when I pointed out that the scripture you used from John 8 wasn't recognised as being authentic scripture. 
But now you go on to use another reference that isn't authentic scripture. 
My only thought here is that you are trying to guide people away from God's word. Why would a 'Christian' want to do that ? 
And why would someone who pretends to love the 'Watchtower' / JW Org not use the NWT ? 
But then why would a 'Christian' have a house full of guns and want to use a murdering outlaw as his avatar ? Do you know I've just found a strange coincidence Billy. Let me show you :- 
Billy the Kid (born Henry McCarty September 17 or November 23, 1859 – July 14, 1881, also known as William H. Bonney) was an American Old West outlaw and gunfighter who killed eight men before he was shot and killed at age 21.
Now how many men in that GB ?  How strange that is. 

On which list would be your name ? :)) Which other names would be with your?

Thanks for warning me about names of dangerous elements in this forum. 
So, you would like that i pay my attention to Billy? Because his name is not on your list?!
:))

On which list would be your name ? :)) Which other names would be with your?

Thanks for warning me about names of dangerous elements in this forum. 
So, you would like that i pay my attention to Billy? Because his name is not on your list?!
:))

I think that the wars of the first Israel were wars for the land, territory.
But let us recall on some important details i have found before some 20 years ago when faced with this historical reports in Bible. Abraham, a forefather of the future nation of Israel, was extremely wealthy and gained possession over large areas of land. But as time passed, there have been several things. That land that Abraham acquired or bought during his life, and legally left to his successors/heirs after his death, somehow was went to, passed on other individuals, families, people, tribes, and nations.
Please recall, for example, how he bought land for grave , for his wife. I can imagine how that was not some small piece of land, but huge territory. After long time, we saw how his tribe and grandsons moved to Egypt and left or sold territory. But we also must think about how many people in time of Great Famine sold possessions they have for food. Well, many people gave "money", sold animals, gold, silver, houses, sold land, territory and finally themselves to Pharaoh ( and Joseph) for food. Such sale was "legitimate" and many lost their property under these circumstances. 
I suppose how some part of the territory or perhaps all that land that once belonged to Abraham,  Israel slaves want back, in this way or that way, because they consider themselves as  "legitimate" heirs.  But, because that land has been in the possession of others for several hundred years already, question was: how to return land back to them? Only by war and conquest.
Issue of religion, worshiping and gods has been of second importance, or another good reason/motivation why to go to war. Fighting for "Freedom" and  for "Homeland" and for "Own People" was always powerful force that leads people. 

Thanks for warning me about names of dangerous elements in this forum. 
So, you would like that i pay my attention to Billy? Because his name is not on your list?!
:))

Why would a JW use the Gospel of Thomas which is possibly fake and not inspired of holy spirit ? 
Remember 'all scripture is inspired ...... ' but the gospel of Thomas is not scripture. 
My feeling is this Kid is defo' not a JW but is trying hard to destroy the reputation of the JW Org in an indirect way.
Unlike me that uses direct means and am not frightened to speak my mind. I think the Kid has a grudge against the GB / JW Org / Watchtower and is being sneaky about how he is getting back at them. 

I think that the wars of the first Israel were wars for the land, territory.
But let us recall on some important details i have found before some 20 years ago when faced with this historical reports in Bible. Abraham, a forefather of the future nation of Israel, was extremely wealthy and gained possession over large areas of land. But as time passed, there have been several things. That land that Abraham acquired or bought during his life, and legally left to his successors/heirs after his death, somehow was went to, passed on other individuals, families, people, tribes, and nations.
Please recall, for example, how he bought land for grave , for his wife. I can imagine how that was not some small piece of land, but huge territory. After long time, we saw how his tribe and grandsons moved to Egypt and left or sold territory. But we also must think about how many people in time of Great Famine sold possessions they have for food. Well, many people gave "money", sold animals, gold, silver, houses, sold land, territory and finally themselves to Pharaoh ( and Joseph) for food. Such sale was "legitimate" and many lost their property under these circumstances. 
I suppose how some part of the territory or perhaps all that land that once belonged to Abraham,  Israel slaves want back, in this way or that way, because they consider themselves as  "legitimate" heirs.  But, because that land has been in the possession of others for several hundred years already, question was: how to return land back to them? Only by war and conquest.
Issue of religion, worshiping and gods has been of second importance, or another good reason/motivation why to go to war. Fighting for "Freedom" and  for "Homeland" and for "Own People" was always powerful force that leads people. 

If you read the account carefully ( EEEEK! ) you will see that Jesus said to THEM (ALL the Apostles) to buy swords .... but TWO apostles already had their personal swords in the room with them, and called it to Jesus attention., and after reconsideration .. Jesus said "it is enough"
The Idea was to demonstrate to a bunch of bullies and mobsters that Jesus would not be "lynched' ... not to start a Jewish/Roman War.
By the way ... those who live by the sword often die by the sword ..., but although I have carried a gun all day, every day, almost all of my adult life, I was a Surveyor and Engineer, and did NOT live by the sword.
And I do not now.
I do know of four Sisters out in the Field Ministry who were hit by a car and all of them were killed.
..those who live by the car, often die by the car.

I think it would help if i tell my opinion how Jesus want to express very strong illustrative argument, assurance how his words will be fulfilled Even IF all Milky Way would blow up in explosion :)))
Hyperbola. To enhance the effect and leave an impression on the listener.
How so? Because some Bible verses say how Earth was created to stay forever. Again, one problem more we have in here too. In Bible, word "forever" not carry always the meaning of "never ending, eternity".  
This is not clarification. This is more stuff to confuse us more :)))
JHVH said: Earth will last forever
Jesus said: Earth will gone
To Who do you believe?   
OR.... what sort of Earth will last and what sort will perished? Literal or figurative destruction? ... and so on.

Thanks. 
So also, when you see all these things, you will know that He is near, right at the door. 34Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until allthese things have happened. 35Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
Many people would agree how those things Jesus was told to his disciples and described in chapter 24 was happened in 1 century.
Problem arise if we want to see another fulfillment, again, ..... second .... or third or fourth? I haven't "light" that would be able to explain yours or other people expectations about some second fulfillment. I am not inspired, guided or motivated. I can err in explanations :))  
Thing that i can do is to ask questions, to examine ideas and doctrines about issue, and to reevaluate results. The changes that are about this topic arose and disappeared in WTJWORG indicates that JW scholars wander in the fog. In fact, they adapt the interpretations of the "generation" to other insecure, questionable theses.

Last I checked, they had not hacked into my bank account to take anything.
It is others who try to do that, and that is why a simple command on my computer may takes seconds, even minutes to execute, due to security measures in place to thwart the theives.

Like I've said before people can make excuses for almost any action. The GB and it's Org are very good at it. 
Um, I thought the JW Org was 'no part of the world', so why would it interest itself in the economy of the world. 
I had a nephew that was really good at poker and won quite a fortune, so to him it wasn't gambling.  

.... we agree, these are parables ......and NOT ticket for WTJWORG to enter in various financial schemes (with members money).  .... only if members gave them their written consent for such activity, job that is no more religious/charity activity but money making activity.   

Jesus Saves .... But Moses INVESTS!
 
And remember what God told the Pioneer Brother in Ohio who lost his job, and his wife lost hers, and she became pregnant, and the Brother prayed incessantly, day and night, to win the Lottery, to support his family ....
( ... imagine a voice like rolling thunder ...)
IT WOULD HELP IF YOU BOUGHT A TICKET !
 

Here we have confusion about Bible verses and meaning. Can we conclude from Jesus' words that He supported the financial and economic system of the Jewish and Roman Monetary System?
Parables and Illustrations or Verbatim Advice what do do with Money? :)))
What is Spiritual and what is Literal? What is Story Lesson?  
"...you knew, did you, that I reaped where I did not sow and gathered where I did not winnow?"  - Is this Jesus, Master you want as King?