stvdv
Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
Do you really want to know?
This sounds more like you misinterpreting what was said with your own bias leading you to wrong conclusions. With every post you confirm that you hear only what you want to hear.
Since, as @Hockeycowboy has already mentioned, we do not believe that heaven was ever a destination that God had in mind for his earthly children. He intended that we all live forever right here on a paradise earth. So what you have said is again, horribly inaccurate.
What is your definition of emotional blackmail? We accept the Bible, just as you might accept your own holy writings. If our God declares that the end of wickedness is before all humanity and he tells us to warn people of his intention to cleanse the earth of evil and all who practice it......is it emotional blackmail to sound that warning? If your own god's told you something similar, would you share their message?
We have at this moment, an horrific situation in Hawaii with the eruption of Kilauea, warnings are issued to all affected residents but no one can be forced to act on those warnings. Despite what can be observed, some intend to stay. That is their right, but is it emotional blackmail to tell them what they may be facing in the future? Our decisions affect our future for better or worse, but they are ours to make.
I can only imagine your mindset whilst attending what appears to be an assembly day gathering, which we have three times a year.
This would be the only times we gather in such numbers. Our congregations are kept deliberately small so that the body of elders can assist all in a close family setting when problems arise.
We view one another as family members. We love one another, not just in our own congregations, but in our entire brotherhood in the world. (John 13:34-35) We are over 8 million strong and we all believe one truth.
Do we believe that worshippers of what we believe are false gods will make it through the foretold end of this system of things? No, we do not, because the Judge appointed by God to carry out the foretold final battle along with his powerful angels, has already said that only those "doing the will of the Father" will live through the end times, just as Noah survived the flood. (Matthew 24:37-39) He also said that those being saved would be "few" compared to the "many" who are on the wrong road. (Matthew 7:13-14)
We do not force anyone to listen, but we are instructed to keep preaching this message until the end. (Matthew 24:14) Everyone has the right to reject the message, but, like it or not, we are commissioned to preach it. (Matthew 28:19-20)
We are only trying to save lives.....OK? We are not a threat to anyone.
Below I just give my opinion. I don't claim to know the truth. Skip whatever feels bad. Be Happy is all I wish for you.
This sounds more like you misinterpreting what was said with your own bias leading you to wrong conclusions. With every post you confirm that you hear only what you want to hear.
I think I have it all quite clear now. And I was not that far off from the beginning according to these 2 replies:
Russia is Rounding up Jehovah's Witnesses. [post #65 @savagewind: thanks for the info]
Russia is Rounding up Jehovah's Witnesses.. [post #63 @savagewind: thanks for the info]
we do not believe that heaven was ever a destination that God had in mind for his earthly children. He intended that we all live forever right here on a paradise earth. So what you have said is again, horribly inaccurate.
I am totally not into semantics. I only look for the bigger picture = Love and Respect.
So if one calls it Heaven/Paradise/Earth is all fine. It's about "Goal of Life". Can Only 1 religion claim this or do all have a chance?
What is your definition of emotional blackmail?
Telling someone that his own religion [Belief System] is inferior, not good, not leading to heaven, not leading to the goal of life [again I am not into semantics; just take your pic]. That your religion is better/best etc. You have no right to judge someones religion [related to soul/spirit; again I am not into semantics]. You are free to do so, but no right. I just give a warning, some people might bite back. Violence invokes violence. Demeaning others' religion is irritating, leading to violence if done long enough. All people I asked about this, agreed. [So "demeaning others' Religion" is "not done". It's oke to point out wrong actions of course]
If your own god's told you something similar, would you share their message?
My God also gives some advices which I follow:
1: All religions lead to God
2: All religions have links to Love
3: You have no right to judge and criticize religions of others
So answering your question: If my God warns disaster is coming. If I meet religious persons and we talk about God, I would stimulate them to continue with their religion and follow "Love", "Respect", "Truth", "Non-Violence", "Righteous Actions". And Be Happy.
We have at this moment, an horrific situation in Hawaii with the eruption of Kilauea, warnings are issued to all affected residents but no one can be forced to act on those warnings. Despite what can be observed, some intend to stay. That is their right, but is it emotional blackmail to tell them what they may be facing in the future? Our decisions affect our future for better or worse, but they are ours to make.
Warning people about the future I am careful [Future is in Gods hands]. But it's good to share uplifting thoughts like I just wrote above.
Of course it's good to help people in Hawaii. The emotional Blackmail only starts when you start telling that their religion is not sufficient etc. like explained above. You can give advice on "bad actions" unrelated to religious belief. But respect their belief [it's their soul contact with God]
[And it shows you have compassion that you want to help others, that is very good. Just give my view 1 thought. And of course you are free to discard it].
I can only imagine your mindset whilst attending what appears to be an assembly day gathering, which we have three times a year.
My mindset you can of course not imagine. I love big gatherings. The bigger the better. I stayed for 10 years in a place where 5000 to 500.000 people gathered on daily basis. And I loved it. All religions, humanists, atheist, all denominations from all over the world came together. Not 1 fight I remember. Heaven on earth
Do we believe that worshippers of what we believe are false gods will make it through the foretold end of this system of things? No, we do not,
That is totally fine with me. You are free to believe. So are others. Just don't impose it on others [unless they ask for it, and want to know]. This I found the key "never give unasked advice". But if you speak, speak positive. Speak about your religion. Don't even think that your religion is better or superior. But definitely don't tell that to the other. Then there is full respect. And God is the one who will guide the other what he will chose. You just follow God "do not judge". Have faith that if you do so, all will come as God has planned.
We do not force anyone to listen, but we are instructed to keep preaching this message until the end. (Matthew 24:14) Everyone has the right to reject the message, but, like it or not, we are commissioned to preach it. (Matthew 28:19-20)
Oke you are commissioned to preach. That is oke. Good you don't force.
But are you also commisioned to tell the other that his religion is not the right one. Or does the Bible only tell to share the Good Word?
We are only trying to save lives.....OK? We are not a threat to anyone.
That is very sweet. And I believe you. I know you are no threat to anyone. And that you mean very well. If JW only speak enthousiastic about Jesus and God, and never imply that other religions are inferior, then I would enjoy attending their meetings. That is my message.
Don't worry, I love you. You seem very nice to me. And I also wish you the best, and not all the trouble and bad treatments like now in Russia. That is horrible.
My religion advices to just follow Law in country. So I less likely end up in much trouble. Even if they forbid me to go to meetings by Law, I will say "dear Lord, this is the Law, so from now on I pray to you in my heart"
And if your religion advices you to go against the Law in that country. Yes likely you get in trouble. I wished it were not true, because I prefer happy end. Not troubles. But you must follow your heart. I just wished I could spare you the pain. But if God wants you to go that way, then do it. And may God Bless you.
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