Posted by rem [REM] on October 28, 1999 at 18:27:49 {BrTq3yWfsYYCpm.Egm4Qo4CX9SUaNM}:
In Reply to: very few of us? posted by shorty on October 28, 1999 at 16:09:47:
I am an active witness. I do enjoy the (usually) thought provoking discussion on this board. I cannot defend many of the teachings and Pharisaical rules of the Society. I have drawn a much closer relationship with Jehovah and have done more Bible study than I ever had before I researched the Society's history. I have seen first hand the lack of love and the legalism that is present in our brotherhood. I have been crushed by learning that I was decieved for many years of my life about things I took for granted. I have learned that we really do not have Christian freedom in this organization. The "Greatest Man" book that we have been studying has been a real eye openner - especially when you apply Jesus' words to the Pharisies to the Society. It is easy to see where we are not following Jesus' example!
I was once just as self-righteous as many of the other witnesses on this page. But I learned that I did not have all of the answers and there were many tears and prayers to Jehovah. I prayed to Jehovah and begged him to make me his friend - to show me the way I must worship Him. Somehow I ended up here. The journey is far from over, but I feel I am making my God happy by putting forth an effort to really know him.
I hope someday I will not need to be anonymous on this board and we will all be able to serve our God shoulder to shoulder in love, tolerant of our brother's and sister's differences - without the threat of shunning hanging over our head for issues that should be matters of conscience.
I'm rambling. Sorry. Just please, I ask that we all be civil to one another. If you do wish to defend the Society's teachings, please try to do so intelligently and honorably. Many have resorted to name calling (on both sides), mud slinging, and self deception. Please have an open mind and embrace truth. The truth is not always easy to swallow.
Gotta go, I'm boring everyone!
rem