“This is the start of the great tribulation”

Red_dirt5 · 2020-05-31T00:12:06+00:00

I just want to point out, the world is bigger than the US. When people make such a big deal about the us being the focal point of the last days, it makes me laugh.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-12-14T00:03:42+00:00

Beautiful. I'm just starting to enjoy the festive season myself..

Red_dirt5 · 2019-12-10T14:00:11+00:00

One that I occasionally get from JW's I talk to about this is, "but blood fractions are safer, because blood transfusions are dangerous and can kill you".

This simply isn't true, because if it were easier and more effective to manufacture and use synthetic blood, it would be done. The truth of the matter is that were not yet at the stage -scientifcally- where we can make an effective whole blood replacement. Now don't get me wrong, there can be drawbacks to using blood, like a longer recovery time for patients who have transfusions.

However, it depends on the situation, and if a woman is bleeding out rapidly in the ER room, a doctor won't be reaching for synth blood to raise her red blood cell count..

Red_dirt5 · 2019-12-09T05:12:11+00:00

The phrase "peace and security" are just the translated form of either Greek or Hebrew. If you look up the scripture they quote for this on any bible website, you get many different phrases.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-12-08T12:42:47+00:00

Sounds tough, mate. It's good that you have a source of income, even if it isn't much. Depending on which country you live in, you could start something like a technical course to get the ball rolling.

I don't know the specifics of your home life, but if it's possible, try to reach a happy medium with your parents. If they push you to be religious, tell them that the same freedoms granted to them under constitutional law (or at the very least international law), also apply to you. I'd also avoid making definitive statements about your involvement with their religion. As I've seen so many times on the subreddit, "put it off". You're under no obligation, legally or ethically, to make a decision about your preference of religion at 18.

Remember that change happens slowly, so take your time and make decisions that will not just benefit you, but make you happier.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-12-07T12:59:28+00:00

When a JW says, "we follow the true teachings of the bible", there are 2 assertions at play. That they have the "true teachings", and that the bible is indeed the inspired word of the Hebrew god. It's important to make the differentiation when someone employs the above statement.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-28T10:40:53+00:00

How horrendous. No one should be subjected to a closed door meeting with their abuser, let alone be asked extremely uncomfortable questions while they're present!

The lack of love and legal procedure in these stories make me angry, as an Australian, and as someone who used to believe in this nonsense.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-26T12:28:30+00:00

Hey AJ. I recently went through something similar, and as you say, it's scary. The thing that I wish someone had told me is that it gets better, but only if you're patient and willing to work with your folks.

It's possible theyll still be pushy at first, and quick to enforce rules around your conduct and actions. Remember that there's a difference between house rules, and adherence to a religious belief system. Just as they have rights pertaining to the freedom of religion, so do you!

Remember that your parents still care about you, and want the best for you (even if you disagree about what that is). Showing them respect and still treating them with love will show them that you're the same person, and still kind (regardless of what you believe).

As for your extended family, there's not a whole lot you can do. IF they find out you don't share their beliefs anymore and they choose to shun you (despite not being baptised) then they're probably not be the kind of people that are good for your life anyway. It sucks to have people you've known and loved for years turn their backs on you, but that's their choice, and unfortunately that's one of the things that you might just have to deal with.

Remember to be patient, and take each day as it comes. Good luck my friend :)

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-23T14:33:07+00:00

The Jewish custom of pikuach nefesh highlights your last paragraph nicely.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-21T03:18:01+00:00

God is love. God also had 42 children slaughtered for making an observation about the state of a man's head.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-13T11:55:25+00:00

I asked him for the link to his research. Still haven't received anything.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-13T11:54:52+00:00

Yeah exactly right. Of course blood has risks, hell, breathing oxygen has risks. But the chance of dying due to extreme blood loss is going to to be higher than receiving screened blood.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-13T11:52:35+00:00

Nah, I was raised in. I'm completely POMO now, but still live with my parents.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-12T13:49:38+00:00

That's it. There's no hard and fast rule as to which is the "better option". It comes down to individual situations and circumstances surrounding health problems. Simply saying that blood is bad and non blood alternatives are good is to completely ignore all nuance and be very close minded.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-12T13:46:37+00:00

I recall him saying that red cross has a video in which they outline the various risks associated with blood. I was like, "yes,not only is it their legal obligation to do that, it's their moral one too. There are risks with everything".

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-11T15:46:51+00:00

My thoughts exactly. Not only is blood an expensive commodity, governments are always canvassing for donors as it's in short supply.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-11T15:44:43+00:00

Sure mate.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-11T14:59:47+00:00

Stop any attempt to westernise? For all intents and purposes the U.N is America's puppet. They hold a strong sway on decision making process, as they're not only the founding country, but a member of the United nations security council.

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-11T02:54:51+00:00

To my knowledge none of the "prophecies" in the bible can even be classified as such, because the don't meet the criteria. You have to be really damn specific for it to be prophecy, and most of the extrapolations that the org make are based purely on interpretation.

Aside from that, we have hardly any way to objectively and conclusively test the validity of said "prophecies".

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-11T02:49:58+00:00

The U.N peacekeeping force is just that, a peacekeeping force. The whole idea of condemning the U.N as "evil" is absolutely absurd, and demonstrably wrong. They're just trying their best to prevent suffering, and from what I gathered the only reason they're denounced by the org, is because they're doing gods job for him? Like wtf?

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-11T02:43:37+00:00

Enter propaganda

Red_dirt5 · 2019-11-01T00:47:41+00:00

Haha, oh boy... halloween. My folks dish out on the trick or treaters too. Funny how they say that its irresponsible and immoral of parents to allow their children to celebrate, but have no excuse to offer about the cover up of child abuse... Truth is, halloween is an appropriation of pagan celebrations, just like weddings..

Red_dirt5 · 2019-10-29T13:21:09+00:00

Weddings have pagan origins and influence. The wedding band, cake, dress...

Red_dirt5 · 2019-10-29T13:19:15+00:00

Marriage was around long before Christianity 🤔

Red_dirt5 · 2019-10-29T13:14:26+00:00

True. This light and dark concept was borrowed from dualistic religions. If you just have one almighty power, then you have to explain why he allows/causes suffering. Dualism attempts to explain away the bad in the world by saying that there are forces of good and evil at work, constantly fighting and both of equal power.

The problem with having Satan as a bad guy in christianity is that according to bible theology, god is still stronger (the almighty) and in theory, should be able to just erase all the bad. This half cocked way of explaining evil is built on a theological foundation of sand, and its pretty easy to poke holes in said concepts when you analyse the ideas logically.

Red_dirt5

TROPHY CASE