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Srecko Sostar

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  1. Upvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from Witness in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Stephen Lett quote: "We are supposed to comply with or obey what they tell us. Of course that would be with a proviso unless they tell us to do something that is unscriptural. And of course that would be extremely rare. "
    Rare or not but Mr Lett clearly said that GB from time to time tells  members something that in fact  is Unscriptural!
     
  2. Upvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from James Thomas Rook Jr. in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Stephen Lett quote: "We are supposed to comply with or obey what they tell us. Of course that would be with a proviso unless they tell us to do something that is unscriptural. And of course that would be extremely rare. "
    Rare or not but Mr Lett clearly said that GB from time to time tells  members something that in fact  is Unscriptural!
     
  3. Upvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from James Thomas Rook Jr. in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Please all who have magazines and publication that are quoted here to send me confirmation about authenticity.  
    “The published timetable resulting from this independent study gives the date of man’s creation as 4026 B.C.E. According to this trustworthy Bible chronology six thousand years from man’s creation will end in 1975, and the seventh period of a thousand years of human history will begin in the fall of 1975 C.E. So six thousand years of man’s existence on earth will soon be up, yes, within this generation. So in not many years within our own generation we are reaching what Jehovah God could view as the seventh day of man’s existence. How appropriate it would be for Jehovah God to make of this coming seventh period of a thousand years a Sabbath period of rest and release, a great Jubilee Sabbath for the proclaiming of liberty throughout the earth to all its inhabitants! This would be most timely for mankind. It would also be most fitting on God’s part, for, remember, mankind has yet ahead of it what the last book of the Holy Bible speaks of as the reign of Jesus Christ over earth for a thousand years, the millennial reign of Christ. It would not be by mere chance or accident but would be according to the loving purpose of Jehovah God for the reign of Jesus Christ, the ‘Lord of the Sabbath,’ to run parallel with the seventh millennium of man’s existence.” Life Everlasting in Freedom of the Sons of God 1966 pp.26-30
      “Does God’s rest day parallel the time man has been on earth since his creation? Apparently so. In what year, then, would the first 6,000 years of man’s existence and also the first 6,000 years of Gods rest day come to an end? The year 1975. It means that within a relatively few years we will witness the fulfillment of the remaining prophecies that have to do with the “time of the end”.”Awake! 1966 Oct 8 pp.19-20   Just think, brothers, there are only about ninety months left before 6,000 years of man’s existence on earth is completed. Do you remember what we learned at the assemblies last summer? The majority of people living today will probably be alive when Armageddon breaks out, and there are no resurrection hopes for those that are destroyed then.” Kingdom Ministry 1968 Mar p.4
    “The immediate future is certain to be filled with climactic events, for this old system is nearing its complete end. Within a few years at most the final parts of Bible prophecy relative to these “last days” will undergo fulfillment.” Watchtower 1968 May 1 p.272
     
    “Are we to assume from this study that the battle of Armageddon will be all over by the autumn of 1975, and the long-looked-for thousand-year reign of Christ will begin by then? Possibly, but we wait to see how closely the seventh thousand-year period of man’s existence coincides with the Sabbath like thousand-year reign of Christ. If these two periods run parallel with each other as to the calendar year, it will not be by mere chance or accident but will be according to Jehovah’s loving and timely purposes. Our chronology, however, which is reasonably accurate (but admittedly not infallible), at the best only points to the autumn of 1975 as the end of 6,000 years of man’s existence on earth. It does not necessarily mean that 1975 marks the end of the first 6,000 years of Jehovah’s seventh creative “day.” Why not? Because after his creation Adam lived some time during the “sixth day,” which unknown amount of time would need to be subtracted from Adam’s 930 years, to determine when the sixth seven-thousand-year period or “day” ended, and how long Adam lived into the “seventh day.” And yet the end of that sixth creative “day” could end within the same Gregorian calendar year of Adam’s creation. It may involve only a difference of weeks or months, not years.” Watchtower 1968 Aug 15 p.499
    “The fact that fifty-four years of the period called the “last days” have already gone by is highly significant. It means that only a few years, at most, remain before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God.” Awake! 1968 Oct 8 p.13
     
    “Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them “brainwash” you with the Devil’s propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. This world has very little time left! Any “future” this world offers is no future! Wisely, then, let God’s Word influence you in selecting a course that will result in your protection and blessing. Make pioneer service, the full-time ministry, with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service your goal. This is a life that offers an everlasting future!” Watchtower 1969 Mar 15 p.171
    “If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that you will never grow old in this present system of things. Why not?Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the “last days” in 1914, Jesus foretold: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.”-Matt. 24:34. Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in high school and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way toward its finish, if not actually gone!” Awake! 1969 May 22 p.15
    “And now, as the year 1975 opens up, some thousands of the anointed remnant, still alive on this earth, look ahead to realizing that joyful prospect. The increasing “great crowd” of their sheep like companions look forward with them to entering the New Order without interruption of life. In the New Order Jehovah God will add to the “length of days” of the anointed remnant on earth to the point of satisfying the members thereof. It remains to be seen whether they will be yet retained here on earth to see the start of the resurrection of the earthly dead and to meet faithful witnesses of ancient, pre-Christian times. They would enjoy that, before being taken off the earthly scene to the heavenly reward with Christ.” Watchtower 1974 Dec 15 p.766
    “Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service.Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.” Kingdom Ministry May 1974 p.3 How Are You Using Your Life?
    “Today there is a great crowd of people who are confident that a destruction of even greater magnitude is now imminent. The evidence is that Jesus’ prophecy will shortly have a major fulfillment, upon this entire system of things. This has been a major factor in influencing many couples to decide not to have children at this time.” Awake! 1974 Nov 8 p.11
  4. Downvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from BillyTheKid46 in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    so called "SIFTING", very popular terminology in one period of organization used to explain described phenomenon and some other situation when Company caused mass (in greater or less numerous scale) disapproval of some parts of members.
    excellent observation!
    ohh yes, in fact so many informative ideas and interpretations and double, triple time/way of fulfillment. So complicated to understand what in fact author want to teach. Pictures, parables, yesterday, today, tomorrow,  transmitted meaning and true meaning ....In fact not understandable, only way is to learn by memorization and repeat the text ... and play that you understand :)))))))
    It is also written in some apocrypha :)))))))  
    A generation of JW and those who will be JW goes and next  generation of JW and those who will be JW comes,       But the earth remains forever.
  5. Downvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from BillyTheKid46 in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Definition of politics https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politics
    1a : the art or science of government b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government 2: political actions, practices, or policies 3a : political affairs or business; especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices 4: the political opinions or sympathies of a person 5a : the total complex of relations between people living in society b : relations or conduct in a particular area of experience especially as seen or dealt with from a political point of view     By point 5a in explanation we are all involved in this process, as human living on Earth. By point 3a in particular group (WT JWorg) exist also political activities that is focused on events within society (members) and on other side how this religious group have to deal whit person outside of WT society (WT as Company and JW as religious body of members) In general use inside JW members, word "politics" are clearly viewed, i believe, as activity that is specific mainly or most for politicians and government that lead some country. JW members, in general, don't see how would even word "politic" be something that can be used in vocabulary of WTBT Society or JW congregations for internal affairs. This word sounds to much worldly to JW members, like sort of blasphemy. Even among  ordinary people in society (non JW) word "politics" have mainly negative connotations, especially when they looking how politicians acting.   
  6. Downvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from BillyTheKid46 in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Heh, JW letters was addressed to Russian Government, Mr Putin, Medvedev and all other political characters that are in "position to changed" Court decisions. So, how can you considered that as Neutral colored letters? When involved at least two parts of governing,  political and judicial power. 
    What JW consider as it is more powerful?   8 000 000 x i do not how many prayers in the day to JHVH ... or 8 000 000 letters of pray to Putin and Medvedev who "serve to Gods enemy, devil"? :))))
  7. Downvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from BillyTheKid46 in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    "Having Brothers Lett and Sanderson in Ukraine and Russia on the same weekend underscored the unity of God’s people and showed the brothers how much Jehovah and Jesus care about them......the Russia branch office to write: “The brothers and sisters were deeply touched that the Governing Body is so interested in this part of the world field. All of us felt as though we were given a big hug by the Governing Body.” https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/activities/events/governing-body-encourages-witnesses/
    Can somebody explain me why is big B need to be in word Brothers Lett and Sanderson? 
    according to this - "Sister and Brother are capitalized in the same way as Doctor -- when used as honorifics or titles. These particular titles, along with "Mother" and "Father", are commonly used by religious orders." - it looks strange that brothers in Russia branch put accent on religious status of their brethren/brothers in Lord Jesus in another branch even if that is headquarter office.  
    Is that sort of men worshiping? Idolatry? I can understand if we honoring our friend, brother, wife in front of strangers or in some sort of official business, in public, on street, in work place or similar situation. But this is in article for JW members ,in first place, for worldwide brotherhood. Or nevertheless we should put Brotherhood  with BIG B, for rank and file members? :)) for purpose of honoring them, because many inside rank and file are in some sort of religious orders to some level (publishers and pioneers of all kind,  missionaries, elders of all sorts, Betel workers, lawyers ...) or if we want tell the truth, all JW members are part of religious order/orders but in some kind scale of hierarchy. :))
  8. Downvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from BillyTheKid46 in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Funny conclusion, in my opinion!
    "It's politically correct to hate on Russia these days."
    But many US companies making big money in Russia. Watchtower is also US Company.
    Maybe WT is just first on Russian list of US companies that have to be stopped to operate in Russia. :))))) Have to wait to see.
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2016/08/03/headline-halah-t/#40025a795f99
    https://www.amcham.ru/eng
  9. Downvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from BillyTheKid46 in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    EUROPEAN COMMISSION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
    Application No. 28626/95
    Khristiansko Sdruzhenie "Svideteli na Iehova"
    (Christian Association Jehovah's Witnesses)
    against
    Bulgaria
    REPORT OF THE COMMISSION
    (adopted on 9 March 1998)
    TABLE OF CONTENTS
    Page
    INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
    PART I : STATEMENT OF THE FACTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
    PART II : SOLUTION REACHED. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
    INTRODUCTION
    1. This Report relates to the application introduced under
    Article 25 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human
    Rights and Fundamental Freedoms by Khristiansko Sdruzhenie "Svideteli
    na Iehova" (Christian Association Jehovah's Witnesses) against Bulgaria
    on 6 September 1995. The application was registered on 21 September
    1995 under file No. 28626/95.
    2. The applicant association was represented by MM Alain Garay and
    Philippe Goni, lawyers practising in Paris.
    3. The Government of Bulgaria were represented by their Agent, Mrs
    Guenka Beleva and, subsequently, by Mr Vladimir Sotirov of the Ministry
    of Foreign Affairs and by Mrs Violina Djidjeva, co-agent.
    4. On 3 July 1997 the Commission declared the application
    admissible. It then proceeded to carry out its task under Article 28
    para. 1 of the Convention which provides as follows:
    "In the event of the Commission accepting a petition referred to
    it:
    a. it shall, with a view to ascertaining the facts, undertake
    together with the representatives of the parties an examination
    of the petition and, if need be, an investigation, for the
    effective conduct of which the States concerned shall furnish all
    necessary facilities, after an exchange of views with the
    Commission;
    b. it shall at the same time place itself at the disposal of
    the parties concerned with a view to securing a friendly
    settlement of the matter on the basis of respect for Human Rights
    as defined in this Convention."
    5. The Commission found that the parties had reached a friendly
    settlement of the case and on 9 March 1998 adopted this Report, which,
    in accordance with Article 28 para. 2 of the Convention, is confined
    to a brief statement of the facts and of the solution reached.
    6. The following members were present when the Report was adopted:
    ...................................................... etc.
    JW participate very much in politics to some level with other religious and non religious organization.
    If you go to read few documents about Bulgaria issue and see what in fact was the content of "friendly settlement" then you will be surprised ones again.
    JW representatives are participants on regular basis (for many years) in OSCE meetings as Non-Governmental Organizations.
    What  is  OSCE? https://www.osce.org/who-we-are
    Among its key partner organizations are the United Nations, the European Union, the Council of Europe, and NATO. Perhaps this is continuation after 1991-2001 disgrace with UN affiliation. http://www.truebiblecode.com/images/JWUNDPI.pdf
    YES, WT and JW are politically involved.
    There is no Neutral position, perhaps only  as  OBLIGATION for members, most for rank and file members.
  10. Thanks
    Srecko Sostar reacted to Anna in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    I lived through that time too, but I did not pay a lot of attention to it as I was too young.  However, a friend helped me to dig up a WT from 1975 that seems to make a distinction between an oath binding one to a person, and an oath to a country.
    Here are a few excerpts:
    ......."Thoughtful Christians weigh the matter in the light of Bible principles before taking any sworn oath. In doing so, they find that some oaths are Scripturally unacceptable. For example, in the days of the Third Reich, every German soldier was required to take this oath: “I swear by God this holy oath that I shall render unconditional obedience to the Führer of the German Reich and people, Adolf Hitler, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and that as a brave soldier I shall be prepared at all times to risk my life for this oath.” A person dedicated to Almighty God cannot bind himself unconditionally to a sinful human, for Jehovah exacts “exclusive devotion.”...........Hence, despite severe persecution, faithful Christian witnesses of Jehovah in Germany would take no oaths binding them to Adolf Hitler......
    ..........A true Christian, then, would not take an oath that would involve him in the controversies of the world or that would subject him unquestioningly to the will of another human. But what if a nation required that such an oath be taken by those desiring to become citizens? Could a person dedicated to God take an oath of that kind with mental reservations, reasoning that sex, age or other factors would make it unlikely that what had been sworn would ever be required? The individual must decide, but it would not be Christian to make a false oath of any kind, even if refusal to do so resulted in being denied the rights of citizenship.........
    ........A citizen of the United States of America who desires to travel abroad will find the following oath on a passport application: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations, or purpose of evasion: So help me God.” If an applicant finds this objectionable, he is permitted to strike this oath from the passport application, and he will not be denied the document on that basis"...........
    Awake 1975/7/22 page 27-28
    Interestingly this was written during the presidency of Nathan Knorr. 
    edit:
    In addition this is what the proclaimers book  ch 29, page 674 had to say:
    In Malawi, there is only one political party, and possession of a party card indicates membership. Although the Witnesses are exemplary in paying their taxes, in harmony with their religious beliefs, they decline to buy political party cards. To do so would be a denial of their faith in GodÂ’s Kingdom. Because of this, late in 1967, with the encouragement of government officials, gangs of youths throughout Malawi launched an all-out attack on JehovahÂ’s Witnesses that was unprecedented in its obscenity and sadistic cruelty. Over a thousand devout Christian women were raped. Some were stripped naked before large mobs, beaten with sticks and fists, and then sexually assaulted by one person after another. Nails were driven through the feet of the men and bicycle spokes through their legs, and then they were ordered to run. Throughout the country their homes, furniture, clothing, and food supplies were destroyed.
    Bellow are the translated contents of the card. I cannot verify the correctness of the translation as I do not speak Chichewa

     

     

  11. Upvote
    Srecko Sostar reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    I was there, and paying attention.
    I know better.
  12. Haha
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from DespicableME in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Funny conclusion, in my opinion!
    "It's politically correct to hate on Russia these days."
    But many US companies making big money in Russia. Watchtower is also US Company.
    Maybe WT is just first on Russian list of US companies that have to be stopped to operate in Russia. :))))) Have to wait to see.
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2016/08/03/headline-halah-t/#40025a795f99
    https://www.amcham.ru/eng
  13. Downvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from DespicableME in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Definition of politics https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politics
    1a : the art or science of government b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government 2: political actions, practices, or policies 3a : political affairs or business; especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices 4: the political opinions or sympathies of a person 5a : the total complex of relations between people living in society b : relations or conduct in a particular area of experience especially as seen or dealt with from a political point of view     By point 5a in explanation we are all involved in this process, as human living on Earth. By point 3a in particular group (WT JWorg) exist also political activities that is focused on events within society (members) and on other side how this religious group have to deal whit person outside of WT society (WT as Company and JW as religious body of members) In general use inside JW members, word "politics" are clearly viewed, i believe, as activity that is specific mainly or most for politicians and government that lead some country. JW members, in general, don't see how would even word "politic" be something that can be used in vocabulary of WTBT Society or JW congregations for internal affairs. This word sounds to much worldly to JW members, like sort of blasphemy. Even among  ordinary people in society (non JW) word "politics" have mainly negative connotations, especially when they looking how politicians acting.   
  14. Downvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from DespicableME in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Heh, JW letters was addressed to Russian Government, Mr Putin, Medvedev and all other political characters that are in "position to changed" Court decisions. So, how can you considered that as Neutral colored letters? When involved at least two parts of governing,  political and judicial power. 
    What JW consider as it is more powerful?   8 000 000 x i do not how many prayers in the day to JHVH ... or 8 000 000 letters of pray to Putin and Medvedev who "serve to Gods enemy, devil"? :))))
  15. Haha
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from AllenSmith34 in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Definition of politics https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politics
    1a : the art or science of government b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government 2: political actions, practices, or policies 3a : political affairs or business; especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices 4: the political opinions or sympathies of a person 5a : the total complex of relations between people living in society b : relations or conduct in a particular area of experience especially as seen or dealt with from a political point of view     By point 5a in explanation we are all involved in this process, as human living on Earth. By point 3a in particular group (WT JWorg) exist also political activities that is focused on events within society (members) and on other side how this religious group have to deal whit person outside of WT society (WT as Company and JW as religious body of members) In general use inside JW members, word "politics" are clearly viewed, i believe, as activity that is specific mainly or most for politicians and government that lead some country. JW members, in general, don't see how would even word "politic" be something that can be used in vocabulary of WTBT Society or JW congregations for internal affairs. This word sounds to much worldly to JW members, like sort of blasphemy. Even among  ordinary people in society (non JW) word "politics" have mainly negative connotations, especially when they looking how politicians acting.   
  16. Haha
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from AllenSmith34 in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Heh, JW letters was addressed to Russian Government, Mr Putin, Medvedev and all other political characters that are in "position to changed" Court decisions. So, how can you considered that as Neutral colored letters? When involved at least two parts of governing,  political and judicial power. 
    What JW consider as it is more powerful?   8 000 000 x i do not how many prayers in the day to JHVH ... or 8 000 000 letters of pray to Putin and Medvedev who "serve to Gods enemy, devil"? :))))
  17. Haha
    Srecko Sostar reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Ben Franklin Gets Jilted and Flip-Flopping on the Resurection   
    Some people would complain if they were hung with an old rope.
    EVERYBODY is guessing.
    Get USED to it.
    It's the only game in town.
    It's not "old light", or "new light", or any kind of light at all.
    Everybody is GUESSING ... giving their opinions ... and claiming it is also the opinion of God. (A VERY profitable business not requiring a lot of hard, uncomfortable labor...).
    Approximately 4 minutes after we stop breathing .... there will be a test.
  18. Upvote
    Srecko Sostar reacted to JW Insider in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Many sincere brothers now are quick to defend the mistakes of the past by saying that the number of little ones who were stumbled was actually a good thing. We've seem multiple comments on this forum that make that claim. As the misguided logic goes, with 1975, for example, it was a kind of test that only stumbled those who were serving Jehovah with a date in mind.
    To be fair, I think all this talk about the importance of obedience to men is a mistake. It is not hooked to anything so tangible as a calendar date so fewer people will be stumbled outright. But more people will be disheartened over time without being able to put their finger on exactly why. In my opinion it will be because they probably anticipated that association with fellow Witnesses would continue to enhance their love for Jehovah God and Jesus Christ in an overwhelmingly positive, uplifting, encouraging and heartwarming way.
    In this case, perhaps the brothers in the lead feel that they need to cover all the bases, and prepare us for unknown possibilities. The problem, in my opinion, is that this emphasis on the importance of obedience to men has now been associated (e.g., summer conventions) with a kind of future "fear-mongering" about the conditions we can expect during the great tribulation. It creates an even heavier load by making us overly concerned about the next day, when we would prefer to think that seeking first the Kingdom would have freed us from such anxiety, throwing our burden upon Jehovah, knowing that Christ's load is light, and his yoke is kind.
    (Matthew 6:33, 34) 33 “Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you. 34 So never be anxious about the next day, for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles. But this makes it appear to serve the exact same purpose as 1975. This time, by associating these unspecified ways in which we will need to show obedience to men with a certain level of fear-mongering about the great tribulation, we will pay more than the usual attention to men. It should have the effect of ratcheting up the activity and anticipation by making the end seem even more imminent.
    It reminds me of an experience at Bethel when I once had an opportunity to question Brother Franz about his plan to have us study a 1973 book a second time in 1981.
    *** km 11/80 pp. 1-3 par. 5 Part I—Congregation Meetings ***
    CONGREGATION BOOK STUDY: In January we will start studying the book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached. This 416-page book, published in 1973, contains vital information that is even more apropos now than when it was first released. Think of the hundreds of thousands of new ones who have been baptized since it was first published. My question was about whether we needed a new edition to change some inaccuracies, or whether it would go into print using the old press plates. His response was basically that we needed no update to it because "this is what the publishers need right now." [The book was basically a history of the Watchtower Society wedged into what are now half-obsolete explanations of Matthew 25.] But his idea was that it would somehow make people appreciate the Society, its place in our time, and therefore raise the level of activity.
    So ultimately I think that the pendulum will swing the other way again, and there will be a kind of retraction of this method of making the end seem so imminent as a way to raise activity levels. The Bible indicates that this method can backfire.
    (Proverbs 13:12) 12 Expectation postponed makes the heart sick,. . . Langston Hughes agreed:
    *** g94 5/22 p. 27 Put Humor Into Your Life ***
    Poet Langston Hughes once wrote: “Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air, and you.” Oh wait, not that one, but his famous one: "What happens to a dream deferred?"
    Of course, those who become disheartened (over the current emphasis) will likely be "chalked up to" the fact that this served as a test to get rid of those who were not worthy. For most, including myself, the overall context of these "changes" is not as bad as I just represented it, since the overall point is not to fear men, but to expect Jehovah to come to our aid when the trouble seems completely overwhelming. But unfortunately, I fear that even the perceived combination of emphasis on "obedience to men" and "fear-mongering" will combine to create a new kind of burden that will not appear to reflect the true spirit of Christianity. 
  19. Like
    Srecko Sostar reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    I think several postings above this one Sreko Sostar did provide standard definitions.
    The problem with people making their OWN definitions ... is that people make their OWN agenda driven definitions, to fit their distorted world view, and call good, evil ... and call evil, good.
  20. Upvote
    Srecko Sostar reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    No ... not really ... petitions to God prayer is trying to influence God.... NOT politicians.
     
  21. Like
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from James Thomas Rook Jr. in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Definition of politics https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/politics
    1a : the art or science of government b : the art or science concerned with guiding or influencing governmental policy c : the art or science concerned with winning and holding control over a government 2: political actions, practices, or policies 3a : political affairs or business; especially : competition between competing interest groups or individuals for power and leadership (as in a government) b : political life especially as a principal activity or profession c : political activities characterized by artful and often dishonest practices 4: the political opinions or sympathies of a person 5a : the total complex of relations between people living in society b : relations or conduct in a particular area of experience especially as seen or dealt with from a political point of view     By point 5a in explanation we are all involved in this process, as human living on Earth. By point 3a in particular group (WT JWorg) exist also political activities that is focused on events within society (members) and on other side how this religious group have to deal whit person outside of WT society (WT as Company and JW as religious body of members) In general use inside JW members, word "politics" are clearly viewed, i believe, as activity that is specific mainly or most for politicians and government that lead some country. JW members, in general, don't see how would even word "politic" be something that can be used in vocabulary of WTBT Society or JW congregations for internal affairs. This word sounds to much worldly to JW members, like sort of blasphemy. Even among  ordinary people in society (non JW) word "politics" have mainly negative connotations, especially when they looking how politicians acting.   
  22. Upvote
    Srecko Sostar got a reaction from James Thomas Rook Jr. in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Heh, JW letters was addressed to Russian Government, Mr Putin, Medvedev and all other political characters that are in "position to changed" Court decisions. So, how can you considered that as Neutral colored letters? When involved at least two parts of governing,  political and judicial power. 
    What JW consider as it is more powerful?   8 000 000 x i do not how many prayers in the day to JHVH ... or 8 000 000 letters of pray to Putin and Medvedev who "serve to Gods enemy, devil"? :))))
  23. Upvote
    Srecko Sostar reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    That is just plain SILLY!
    It's "Aluminum Foil Hat" silly!
    That is correct ... and that is Reality, as it exists on the ground ... where the "rubber meets the road".
    64 MILLION LETTERS TO TRY AND GET A GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE ITS POLICIES ... IS POLITICAL ACTIVISM.
    YOU are the one playing with words ... to take what is actually the case, and pretend that it does not apply in THIS case ... and it DOES.
    The FACTS are either one of two things ... and cannot be a third thing.
    The past Presidents of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Russell, Rutherford, and Knoor (whom I have seen in person) did in actual fact swear allegiance to the Constitution of the United States, and swore to defend it, in their heart of hearts, without reservation, or mental evasion .... OR ... to get a Passport, they Swore under Oath before God... and LIED .... lying under oath before man and God to the United States State Department, and each of their Passport applications were fraudulent ... AND they lied SPECIFICALLY before God by their signing that crystal clear and unambiguous oath.
    There is no third choice, unless you are agenda driven irrational, and borderline (?) insane.
    MEANWHILE ... the Brothers and Sisters in Malawi were being tortured and killed because Bro. Knoor, who signed an oath of allegiance to the United States Constitution, before God and man, refused,  when there  was only ONE political party in Malawi at the time, to  let them buy a 25 cent National ID card. (foreigners were exempt from that requirement).
    I lived through those times, when it was all going on, as contemporary news !
    I REMEMBER IT !
     
     
  24. Like
    Srecko Sostar reacted to Grey Reformer in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    This would depend on how you are willing to interpret scripture.

    NWT (1 Peter 2:17) 17 Honor men of all sorts, have love for the whole association of brothers, be in fear of God, honor the king.


     
    1 Peter 2:17 NIV

    17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.

  25. Like
    Srecko Sostar reacted to James Thomas Rook Jr. in Let us Appreciate Brother Lett   
    Sure ... I do the same thing, completely of my own initiative ...Any JW I refer to as Brother  or Sister. I also capitalize the first letter of "holy words", such as Justice, and similar words.   It also helps to differentiate between a family brother or sister.
    I break the "rules of grammer", according to the amount of honor I attribute to something.
    That being said, I do maintain, entirely due to the book "1984" by George Orwell, the capitalization of "Big Brother", which I see as a VERY important philosophical concept to "Grok" ... which is another capitalized philosophical concept, of major importance.
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