Posted by proplog2 [proplog2] on November 25, 1999 at 13:07:14 {yaNwUlwC5c/CPYT8orz2lJ4aSwVkqg}:
In Reply to: The Greater Issue posted by AP on November 25, 1999 at 07:56:54:
There was an article I will never forget in a 1968 Watchtower. The question was "Serve food or post signs" The article put the emphasis on feeding the sheep NOT telling them what to do. It stands out in my mind because it was such good advice and it was never followed.
I think religious organizations are doomed to authoritarian structures. It would be nice if God himself would speak unambiguously on a regular basis to his "children". Instead all we have are humans who say that they are closer to God then we are, and that they know what's best for us.
I think the internet is going to replace religion in another 10 to 15 years. Religion in modern times has been the keepers of the sacred writings. The first project for printing technology was to make copies of the Bible. The limits of the old printing technology restricted who could publish their ideas. Now, anyone with a computer can be exposed to as many ideas as people with computers can publish. Now more than ever people feel compelled to develop their thinking skills so they don't drown in nonsense.
The internet has helped me a 1000%. I have learned how to argue. I have learned how to examine premises and conclusions. I understand better than ever the various fallacies. I can still be fooled but only for a short period of time. There are logic police all over the place that will come to my rescue. The future of JW's and all religions is in forums like H20. It's practically over for religious monopolies. The competition will be over who can REALLY do the most good for those who need help not for who has the PUREST TRUTH.