Hello May
When you said:
As one of JW i only stick to what the bible tells me about those who will be going to heaven...
Interesting. So it's safe to assume then that you have never followed the counsel or scriptural instructions lent by JW ministers or missionaries; instead trusting to your singular interpretation of of what the bible "tells you"? Odd that you would outright dismiss any and all "non-JW" exegetical analysis/commentary on specified chapter and verse quotations, since JW does not typically ascribe to a
literalist interpretation of scripture. If scripture is subject to interpretation, then it follows that (at least some) researched and studied examinations of same are merited consideration as erudite and instructional, does it not?
...and the bible tells me that is what these ones who go to heaven will be doing...
Not from the C&V quoted examples
you've cited so far. The verses you have provided only account for what Jehovah will "do" (or cause to occur at "the end"), and what "titles" ("kings and priests" - Rev. 5:10) all those ascendant to Heaven may proudly claim on their everlasting business cards.
To (reference and)
inquire once more, just what does a heavenly "king" or "priest" do?
Can you not, or
will you not, provide answer to such critical questions? Is "
I don't know", or "
The Bible doesn't specifically say/define" somehow impossibly elusive or unobtainable in candid reply?
"...but then again the bible also tells me that it is God who chooses them, and he knows the right ones to choose, it would be those who are willing to go along with his purpose for the earth..."
It's rather obvious that the guy who invents the game gets to make the rules, and can choose to be the ultimate referee in deciding who is cheating, and who is playing fair (of course, kissing up to the referee in devoted worship is mandatory).
As to "
His purpose of the earth", it seems from biblical scripture that Earth (apparently the rest of the cosmos serves no "purpose" whatsoever) is His playing field to test each player's ability (or willingness) to play the game of mortal existence according to His rules and demands (This sort of reminds me of the boss that sits in the shadows and spies on his employees, waiting to catch them doing something wrong, or questioning the policies/choices of the boss himself. "
Aha! J'accuse! You screwed up and failed my double-secret test! You're fired!").
If there's any other biblical "purpose" for the Earth (other than earn a ticket to Heaven or Hell), I've yet to see it succinctly put in any meaningful, in-depth explanation.
"...and as God knows better than me or anyone else, who am i to question how God is fullfilling his purpose for the earth."
If you believe that He "knows better" than you, then indeed there
is no need of critical thinking, or review of any cause/effect phenomena. No need to interject or employ elements of reasonable doubt. God is ultimate arbiter of His own "rules" of justice- no need for witnesses, evidence, juries, or judges.
The neat thing about being human is that you
are permitted to question the things that surround your existence, and even the unsubstantiated claims of existent deities and supernaturally manifested cause/effect explanations of the phenomena within the cosmos. The capacity to reason (even to - *
sigh* -
rationalize the existence of supernatural deities), and therefrom act upon presented questions/choices with reasonable and thoughtful answers/conclusions is what makes our species
unique from all others. No one can take
that away from you (unless or until you choose to throw it away yourself). Not even your God can
prevent you from questioning His "purpose". Just
you being
you is
all that is ever required.
Consider the following metaphor in providing answer to the question "
What does one do in Heaven?"
You read an ad in the Jobs classifieds that claims to offer all accepted employees: ultimate non-expiring and all-encompassing benefits; a blissfully pleasant environment free from stress or worry; limitless compensation for loyalty and good works; a nice neighborhood in which to live; and no previous experience or skills necessary. You are intrigued, while noting that the ad does not specify or describe what the job actually entails. You give the provided number a call. A guy answers who claims to represent the "ultimate boss". He says his boss offers you (and if you accept, promises) a lifetime "position" in his "firm" as "head supervisor in charge of everything".
Wow. Sounds really cool, but you still have a few questions...
You: "So, what would be my job description at this "firm", and what would be my responsibilities?"
Representative: "Why you'll be "head supervisor in charge of everything"!"
You: "Yeah, I got that from the ad. But what do I
do as "head supervisor in charge of everything"? Whom do I supervise, and what is it that
they do that requires supervision?"
Rep: "That's the great part! Everyone's a supervisor! Everyone is equal in the eyes of the boss. There's really no one to supervise! Besides, the boss takes care of everything that needs to be done now, or ever."
You: Hmmm...maybe I'll get back to that in a bit...
...I note that the ad says "a nice neighborhood". Could you elaborate on that please?"
Rep: "It's perfection itself!"
You: "OK, yeah, but
really...where will I live, and what's it like?"
Rep: "You get to live with the boss himself, and all of his other chosen supervisors."
You: "And...?"
Rep: "And...
what?"
You: "Let's try this from another tact. What kind of facilities and amenities are there? Is there a good school for my kids? What about local police and fire departments? Is shopping near by? Does the place have a community pool, baseball park - my kids love playing league baseball, or movie theater? How are the roads? Any good saloons?"
Rep: "Details, details. You worry too much. Didn't you hear me when I said the place was perfection itself? Trust me, you'll love it. Boss says so."
You: "So you
said, yes. But his idea of "Perfection Place" and mine
might differ..."
Rep: "Look. You can't possibly envision or comprehend how
great it is, so giving you any
details is a waste of your time and mine."
You: "Fine. Now again...about what the job itself
is, and what I'm expected to
do..."
Rep: "You can do whatever you want! You'll be 'head supervisor in charge of everything'!"
You: "Yeah, but so will
everyone else there. What's so special about being "in charge" of essentially nothing and no one? Just sounds like a
lotta nada to me. Look. I'm a cop. It's the only thing I've ever done professionally. All I know is how to be a good cop, and I know what good cops are supposed to do. Cops have responsibilities to themselves and accountabilities to those they choose to serve and protect. All I'm asking is...what are my accountabilities and responsibilities as a prospective "head supervisor in charge of everything" at your bosses firm? Can't you tell me
that much?
Rep: "Obviously, you're not getting what I'm saying. Do you want to accept the boss' job offer or not? Things might go badly for you if you don't."
You: "Now what is
that supposed to mean?"
Rep: "Let's just say that my boss doesn't handle rejection especially well, and he tends to exact retribution upon those that decline his offer of everlasting perfection."
You: "
Oh. Well, could I speak to your boss
personally before I decide then?"
Rep: "Not really, no. Generally speaking, only those he accepts get that opportunity.
You might be able to get though to his son, but the same standards apply. Let's just say that he operates from a 'don't call him, he'll call you' philosophy. Just don't wait by the phone. You never know when he'll retract this exclusive job offer."
You: "Maybe I'll get back to you on that..."
