Posted by AF [AF] on April 08, 1999 at 07:11:17 {vxsc0.TBNkDjRmAxB/kMdaOt1gg/Zk}:
In Reply to: Watching NICODEMUS Struggle posted by practicus on April 08, 1999 at 03:56:41:
: In the main, we are individuals who read and study the Bible and can see the Society and its teachings mirrored in it. That is our understanding, but it is nevertheless an honest one, not the result of brainwashing.
Virtually all Christian religions similarly "mirror" the Bible. Every religion -- in particular the JWs -- are imperfect mirrors. But that's not really the issue.
The real issue with people on this forum is whether a JW teaching that is not found in the Bible is true -- i.e., that JW leaders form a unique "faithful slave" that is God's only representative and channel to mankind on earth today. This is the Fundamental Doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Nicodemus, Friend and a number of other JWs on this forum and elsewhere apparently don't believe that this Doctrine is true. Thus they struggle with various side issues. They're apparently concerned far more with human issues than with "doctrinal truth". This is quite in contrast with you, from what you've posted on this forum.
Of course, you have no real evidence for your belief that the Fundamental Doctrine is true. This is proved by the simple fact that neither you nor any other JW can show forth such evidence. The best you can do is use the principle of "least among evils" to select your religion. In other words, you can't find anything better, so you stick with it and hope that your selection principle is valid.
Of course, a third group of people apply what is among the best bits of counsel that the Society has ever given: "Why would anyone want to be associated with a religion that has lied to them?" I would like to know your answer to this question. So far, Nicodemus and Friend have not given convincing answers.
AF