First off it is in the pure spirit of open-mindedness that I ask this:
Someone dropped off a copy of the most recent "Watchtower" and Awake at my door last week which I just finished reading...and in response I have a few questions.
I was reading the "Ethnic Harmony, Is it possible?" and I noticed that it says that the root of all racism and hate is not knowing God. My Question is, what is your stance on different religions worshiping God? (Ie: Jews, Muslims, etc). I see a lot of racism/discrimination against those who follow other religions. How do you handle opposing religious beliefs?
The Other Q? That I have is in response to the article, "Did They Really Live that Long"? In the most Recent Copy of Awake!...Is this in reference to an everlasting life in heaven or on earth and does this mean that God is reliquishing the concept of original sin from our hearts? And does this apply to all mankind or just those who are Jehovah's Witnesses?
2007-07-20 07:55:35 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No No Lover, I disagree! There are many religions that worship the same God...Just as there is the State of California and then there is Baja California in Mexico.
2007-07-20 08:05:12 · update #1
As a former JW, I have to say that they are not a cult. As far as your first question, religions have different point of views or different philosophies, and when fanaticals are thrown into the mix, things get ugly. The reason the article said that the root of all racism and hate is not knowing God, is because God does not distinguish on race since we are all created equal, and God certainly teaches us to love our fellow humans. As for your 2nd question, everlasting life for the general population that accepts Christ's ransom is here on earth, but the anointed ones will live forever in heaven.
2007-07-20 08:07:20 · answer #1 · answered by Josh_NY 2 · 7⤊ 4⤋
Hi!
It seems you frame this question as someone who identifies as a Christina, so I will answer in the terms of your own faith if I may.
In parts of the Pacific world, "Buddhists", who are in the majority, persecute minority Christians; "Christian" Serbs murdered minority Muslims, while Atheistic-Communism persecuted anyone who claimed there was a God. Majority's pick on minority's, as big kids pick on little kids. Not everywhere and not all big kids are bullies - indeed, some are bullied because they are big. But it is common around the world.
Any belief system that states that God is only for them is not rooted in that inclusive love which is the stamp of heaven; anyone who has the audacity to cold-call on someones home and assume they have a higher understanding than the person they have not met before is arrogant.
Jesus had a shorthand way of spotting who was genuine. Look to the fruits of any person. That will give you a clue. Don't forget that Jesus was a Jew not a Christian and that Christianity started out as a cult branch of Judaism. The Good Samaritan is a good way to get a handle on his views on discrimination and claims to knowing the only way.
Good wishes.
2007-07-20 09:59:10 · answer #2 · answered by pilgrimspadre 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
dislexic but you are baptist and say the same thing , we preach that only truly worshipers as Jesus said in John 4:23-24 are accepted by God and saved. If a Jehovah´s witness in not a truly worshipper he won´t save his life in armageddon.
2007-07-20 17:45:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that they and only they will be saved at Armageddon...They will dance around this issue, but that is what they believe.
They have no tolerance for other religions or faiths...They will tell you who is chosen of God and who is not.
There is grievous issues of false prophecy in their own faith, yet they will pick yours apart and try to get you to Analise your beliefs, without putting the same magnifying glass towards theirs.
it is a cult in the purest sense of the word, and I am so glad that Jesus saved me from it....they got 22 years from me.
Learn more:
http://freeminds.org
http://silentlambs.org
http://watchman.org
2007-07-20 14:30:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
The root of racism is not knowing God. At 1 John 4:8 says: "He that does not love has not come to know God because God is love." So if we don't know and love God, how can we love one another?
How do Jehovah's Witnesses feel about other religions worshiping God? Everyone has the right to practice the religion of his choice. This holds true at present, unless a person’s religion proves to be grossly immoral, licentious, shocking the public decency. Everyone should respect the right of everyone else to choose and live his own religion. We must observe religious toleration.
Obviously, some like Suzanne, do not respect others' beliefs. She, like others, revert to name-calling like accusing us of being a cult, even though they don't have a clue about what a cult is.
As to your second question, the article is talking about the lifespan of humans. Jehovah originally intended man to live forever in paradise. But because of Adam's sin, our lifespan has been cut short. But that will change in the near future. After wickedness has been removed, the words of the psalmist will be realized: "The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside FOREVER upon it. Ps 37:29
2007-07-20 08:02:33 · answer #5 · answered by LineDancer 7 · 8⤊ 4⤋
It would seem that "racism" by definition involves "race", not religion. A person cannot choose his race or ethnicity, but he can (and must) choose how he will worship and whether he will align himself with a particular religion. In order to please God, it would seem that one's religion must teach exclusively from God's Word the Holy Bible (as the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses does).
(Acts 10:34-35) God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him
Even so, true Christians (such as Jehovah's Witnesses) are happy to have as their workmates, classmates, and neighbors anyone who is peaceful and friendly, regardless of his religion or his ethnicity. Jehovah's Witnesses have established a remarkable record for diversity and cooperation even among populations which have a terrible heritage of tribal warfare and ethnic discrimination.
(Matthew 5:46-48) For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing? And if you greet your brothers only, what extraordinary thing are you doing? Are not also the people of the nations doing the same thing? You must accordingly be perfect [in demonstrating love], as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Of course, a true Christian (such as a Jehovah's Witness) will also understand that his efforts to preach and teach the Kingdom "good news" are an effort and not a crusade; a workmate, classmate, or neighbor who refuses to listen to the bible's message of hope is still treated in a kindly manner. Perhaps it is this godly kindness which will eventually soften the hearts of non-Christians to the message of Christ!
(1 Peter 3:1-4) If any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word... because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect. ...Let it be the secret person of the heart in the incorruptible apparel of the quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God.
Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/kn35/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20020901/article_02.htm
2007-07-20 08:27:43 · answer #6 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 7⤊ 4⤋
There is only one God no matter what religion you call yourself. Just like there is only one California but there are many different routes to get there. The number one commandment in the bible is to love. Love thy neighbor as thy self, Love the Lord you God with all your heart, mind, and strength so if you are not walking in love it doesn't matter what you title yourself you are not walking with him!
2007-07-20 08:03:06 · answer #7 · answered by lover of the lord 2 · 3⤊ 2⤋
God had Moses write 306 Commandments in the Old testament. The Jehovah's Witnesses believe there are only 2 commandments to obey. That is very wrong of them. They like to distort the Bible too mean what they would like. The Bible says anybody that hates is a follower of Satan's. So anyone that hates is not following the Bible, but the devil. The path to Heaven is narrow.
You would do better to look for the whole truth, not so-posit truth with many holes in it.
2007-07-20 08:09:08 · answer #8 · answered by geessewereabove 7 · 1⤊ 7⤋
Haven't read it.
But as regards "ehtnic harmony" it sound about right.
As far as living everlating life, it would apply only to those whom Jehovah recognizes as worthy.
2007-07-20 07:58:40 · answer #9 · answered by Tim 47 7 · 6⤊ 2⤋
First off, their magazines and watchtower books are additions to Scripture.
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deut. 4:2
Read the book of Genesis. People lived extremely long lives before the flood. After the flood, human lifespan drastically shortened.
Get your answers from the Bible directly and ONLY the Bible. Stay away from the JW's. They are a cult whose god is satan.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15
Check out my sources. They are well researched and documented!
2007-07-20 08:08:46 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 9⤋