Posted by RomGabe [RomGabe] on April 01, 1999 at 13:17:09 {feW1wc1uNQSR7t8eZ1.gszt8oCKLMM}:
In Reply to: ? I had when I was religious. posted by Skeptic on April 01, 1999 at 11:14:35:
Skeptic,
I could add to this list, but I do not have the time. So let me use the rest of my lunch break to answer/give-my-view on some of your points.
2) What is wrong with being in politics? Somebody has to do the job. There would be choas without government.
According to WTBTS, any secular organization or govenrnment is part of Bablylon the Great. And since the consider themselves God's Organization (the only one) then the cannot mingle with any parts of the Great Harlot.
3) How can the Society conduct letter-writing campaigns to politicians if they are not to partake in politics? This is a form of political lobbying.
This kind of action really sounds like a form of political lobbying, but when has that WTBT Society really done that?
5) Why do people in India have to die in Armageddon? They have never hear the good news, have a cultural background vastly different from ours, etc.
Believe it or not there are states in India that have a majority or a strong %age of the population as Christian.
6) If the FDS is God's spokesmen, why so many changes in doctrine? Can't God give the right answer the first time? Especially with issues that could hurt His faithful followers?
This is the big red sore that JW's hope will heal in time. Don't burst the bubble yet...
8) Why did it take God's Channel 120 years to catch up with Christendom about when the end will come? (generation change).
According to WTBTS, because the light got brighter, and imperfect men in Org.
9) If going to war is wrong, who would stop the Nazis? Someone has to stop the bad people.
That's where faith comes into play. Just like Jehovah has protected his nation (Jews) before (Old Testament times), so will he protect his people at the right time. Right ? ...
10) Why do ALL doctrinal changes not cost the Society anything? Never have they had to lose money, etc. when a doctrine changes.
Have you thought about all the books/magazines that are useless once a doctrine changes. Their value is close nothing. Except for historical/research/collectibles reasons.
11) Why is God so concerned with restricting people from having fun?
This is not a very clear question since the meaning/understanding of the word "fun" varies from person or group to person/group.
12) Why are new things wrong, but then later acceptable? E.g., VCRs, new dances, video games, etc.
Some excuses:
Because different people came up with the rules, because it became popularly accepted by the masses so they had to change the rules, because the
rule-makers themselves found them (these things) enjoyable, so they did not want to sound hypocritical.
13) Does God really know EVERYTHING I do? I don't mean to sound perverse, but does God or an angel watch me have sex to ensure I am doing it righteously? If he doesn't, does He read my mind later to see if I was bad in bed? Either way, isn't there something perverse about Him doing that?
Good question. Don't know.
14) Is it fair for God not to allow a divorced person to remarry? What if his/her spouse leaves but does not have sex? If they will never come back, why can't the "innocent" party remarry?
I'll let someone who's married take a shot at it.
15)Why do so many churches preach against making a lot of money? They do.
Now, my friend, there are plenty of churches who preach that if you are a Christian and have faith you MUST be also materially prosperous. (Look at the "Charismatics" or watch some of those Miracle/TBN/Evangelical TV broadcasts ;-)
17) Why does/did God want so many people to die for Him? Malawi, blood transfusions, etc.
He doesn't.
18) Why does God have so many picky, stupid rules?
Remember that ultimately it's the people/human-being who make them into rules and then diverge from there and add more rules.
19) Why does God prohibit masturbation? What if a couple physically cannot have sex?
When did God tell you masterbation was prohibited?
24) Why would God have His Son tortured? Isn't that more than a little sick? Remember, God makes the rules.
According to the Christian thought Jesus volunteered to die in order that he might redeem us sinner (humankind). But God and Jesus, I guess always knew that he was going to be resurrected.
Well, my friend, I ran out of time.
Hope you enjoyed my sarcasm and wit.
'till next time,
RomGabe