But yeah ... I understand how some ... JW's are and how they view things, and what not. Do you know anything about the crusades? They symbol was a cross. It was used war time as a symbol of strength and perseverance.
Ah yes, the Crusades.....what do you know about them?
Do you understand that Christianity had no cross before a pagan Emperor instituted it as a symbol of the Christianity that was instituted in Rome centuries after Jesus' death? Do you also understand that there is no "cross" in the Bible. The Roman Catholic Church was a fusion of pagan sun worship and apostate Christianity. Christianity had no pope. The title borne by the pope is "Pontifex Maximus" (the Pontiff) It is a pagan Roman title.
Emperor Constantine held the pagan title
pontifex maximus, or chief priest, and thought himself overlord of all religions in his realm. He was a worshipper of Zeus all his life; he was never really a committed Christian.
The First Crusade was called by Pope Urban II in 1096. "In his eyes military action to reconquer Jerusalem and Palestine would serve several purposes. It would consolidate the unity of Western Christendom and reaffirm the primacy of the Roman Church. It would provide a vent for perpetual disputes among the upper classes. In exchange for religious and, above all, economic benefits, these would put their military expertise to work for a “noble” cause, becoming the armed wing of the church.
On November 27, 1095, before a council at Clermont, France, Urban launched his appeal. The church painted a dark picture of their foes, as those deserving of divine retribution. Foucher de Chartres, a priest who took part in the First Crusade, said that the war was necessary to defend Eastern “Christians” from Muslims. An immediate remission of sins was promised for those who died on the road or in battle. The feudal lords could thus convert their fratricidal disputes into a “holy” war against the “infidels.” At that council, a cry resounded that was to become the motto of the First Crusade: “God wills it!”
The Crusades—A ‘Tragic Illusion’ — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY
The Crusades were nothing but an excuse for a bloodbath.....a very unholy bloodbath. There could never be "an armed wing of the church" without a complete departure from Christ's teachings. Roman Catholicism is the mother of many daughters. Together they make up "Christendom" but it was never true Christianity, as history attests.
Anyway, and for the self righteous who hinder life and freedom and wish to force their doctrine, rules, and religious policies on the rest of us, I'd suggest there are many against this type of religious rule ... Including me.
Can I ask if God has the right to tell us how to live, and how to exercise our freedom of choice in a way that benefits everyone? Is his way the "religious rule" you speak of?
I love this country, and what this countries government was built upon. We have our constitution, declaration of independence, and our bill of rights (amendments included) that afford us all the opportunity to pursue life, liberty and happiness.
That all sounds good unless you put it into a Christian context. Can I ask how many of your citizens in the US are even able to "pursue life, liberty and happiness" in the current circumstances? How many of them believe that they live in the best country on earth? How many of them see America as the land of the free? A reality check is in order perhaps?
It's a damn good foundation. Separation of church and state, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, etc. The right to bear arms, and the others all go hand in hand to help protect us, which include all who are in this country, both citizens and non-citizens.
Perhaps it was a good foundation, but the building upon which it stands is falling apart. Democracy is dying as man is now seeing that it doesn't work. No human government tried by man has succeeded. This is why God has given them the freedom to try them all, and to see for themselves the complete inadequacy of human rulership....all under the ultimate control of the devil.
A quick Google search will reveal why America always seems to be participating or encouraging wars.....
"This is a list of the world's largest arms manufacturers and other military service companies who profit the most from the
War economy, their origin is shown as well....
The numbers are in billions of US dollars.
Rank Company name Defense Revenue
(US$ billions) % of Total Revenue
from Defense
1
Lockheed Martin 44.9 88%
2
Boeing 26.9 29%
3
Raytheon 23.8 94%
4
BAE Systems 22.9 98%
5
Northrop Grumman 22.3 87%
6
General Dynamics 19.4 63%
7
Airbus 11.2 15%
8
Thales Group 9.0 51%
9
Leonardo 8.8 68%
10
Almaz-Antey 8.5 94% "
That is a lot of dollars, but not enough to bail them out of a $22 trillion dollar debt.
This is why God's Kingdom has to "come" and rid the earth of failed governments and to introduce the kind of rulership we were meant to have at the beginning....God's rulership.
Step back and see the big picture.....Jesus came to get us back to Eden.....back to paradise and to enjoy the earth for the wonderful home God meant for it to be. (Revelation 21:2-4)