Yes religion has been one of the main causes for many atrocities thru history. They have backed many wars that even our own country here, America, that has been backed and supported by some main stream religions.
But one has to remember the scripture that was quoted a couple weeks ago that "Satan is the ruler of the world" at this time. So he is very much involved in the things of the world which would include politics and religion.
But not all is lost:
THE REALITY OF AN EARTH-WIDE PARADISE
Jehovah God, who created the original Paradise, has promised to restore what was lost. How? Recall that Jesus taught us to pray: “Let your Kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, "also on earth.” (Matthew 6:10)
That Kingdom is a world government in the hands of Jesus Christ that will replace all human rule. (Daniel 2:44) Under the rule of that Kingdom, God’s will regarding a paradise earth will “take place.”
Earlier, the prophet Isaiah was inspired to describe conditions in the promised Paradise, where all the tension and conflict plaguing mankind today will be gone. (Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:5-7; 65:21-23) We urge you to take a few minutes and read those scriptures in your own Bible. Doing so will reassure you of what God has in store for obedient mankind. Those then living will enjoy a paradise as well as God’s favor, both of which Adam lost.—Revelation 21:3.
Why can we be sure that the hope of Paradise on earth is not fantasy but reality? Because the Bible tells us: “As for the heavens, they belong to Jehovah, but the earth he has given to the sons of men.” The hope of Paradise on earth is one that “God, who cannot lie, promised long ago.” (Psalm 115:16; Titus 1:2) What a wonderful prospect the Bible offers—Paradise forever! JW.ORG
@galveston75 saidYou must know that the bible says that the earth will be destroyed. The New Jerusalem is the abode of the Saints and the righteous. The events yet to take place are shrouded in mystery and secrecy. It is a flaw of religion to try to convince many that they have the truth. Why not just say, the bible says abc, xys and the rest you dont know. The truth is that you do not know everything. Neither is it a requirement to know everything. Too often the Watchtower makes pronouncements that turn out to be wrong. When are you people going to stop that.
Yes religion has been one of the main causes for many atrocities thru history. They have backed many wars that even our own country here, America, that has been backed and supported by some main stream religions.
But one has to remember the scripture that was quoted a couple weeks ago that "Satan is the ruler of the world" at this time. So he is very much involved in t ...[text shortened]... go.” (Psalm 115:16; Titus 1:2) What a wonderful prospect the Bible offers—Paradise forever! JW.ORG
@caljust saidWhen I say exclusion based on good works, I mean those who do good works are welcomed into the Kingdom of God and those who do evil works are destroyed. This principle can be gathered from all of Christs teachings.
I would agree with this statement, except the fact that I don't believe that Jesus majored on "exclusion based on good works".
He was perhaps the most inclusive person of his time, which caused a huge reaction amongst the religious elite. Indeed, his most damning words ( being exclusive, if you like) were addressed to this group, who thought they were better than the rest. ...[text shortened]... d on good works.
Be kind to yourself and others, and you have two major religions in your pocket.
@rajk999 saidEcclesiastes 1:4
You must know that the bible says that the earth will be destroyed. The New Jerusalem is the abode of the Saints and the righteous. The events yet to take place are shrouded in mystery and secrecy. It is a flaw of religion to try to convince many that they have the truth. Why not just say, the bible says abc, xys and the rest you dont know. The truth is that you do not know e ...[text shortened]... e Watchtower makes pronouncements that turn out to be wrong. When are you people going to stop that.
4 A generation is going, and a generation is coming,
But the earth remains forever.
@rajk999 saidAgain this issue of the early Watchtower Society or more specific Brother Russel making statements about future events the bible says will happen, has been discussed many times. You and the others here do not accept our answers so why should we keep responding to your complaints? Perhaps instead of the typical knee jerk responses and maybe just using a little common sense would help all here to understand why those statements were made.
You must know that the bible says that the earth will be destroyed. The New Jerusalem is the abode of the Saints and the righteous. The events yet to take place are shrouded in mystery and secrecy. It is a flaw of religion to try to convince many that they have the truth. Why not just say, the bible says abc, xys and the rest you dont know. The truth is that you do not know e ...[text shortened]... e Watchtower makes pronouncements that turn out to be wrong. When are you people going to stop that.
But here is something to read and maybe ponder on for a bit.
BECAUSE true worshippers acknowledge Jehovah as the Source of spiritual light, they eagerly pray that God’s ‘light and truth’ will lead and guide them. (Ps. 43:3) While the world is in dense spiritual darkness, the true God continues to shed light upon his people. As a result, their path “is like the bright morning light that grows brighter and brighter.” (Prov. 4:18) Increasing light from Jehovah continues to illuminate their way organizationally, doctrinally, and morally. What are some of our beliefs that have been clarified in recent years?
2012
“All these kingdoms”—Dan. 2:44
w12 6/15 p. 17
Mordecai and Esther “divide spoil”—Gen. 49:27
w12 1/1 p. 29
Ruin caused by “fierce-looking king”—Dan. 8:23, 24
w12 6/15 p. 16
Toes of image in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream—Dan. 2:41-43
w12 6/15 p. 16
When the seventh world power emerged
w12 6/15 pp. 15, 19
2013
“Faithful and discreet slave”—Matt. 24:45-47
w13 7/15 pp. 8, 20-25
“Evil slave”—Matt. 24:48-51
w13 7/15 p. 24
Anointed not to survive Armageddon on earth
w13 7/15 p. 5
‘Assyrian invades our land’—Mic. 5:5
w13 11/15 p. 20
Chosen ones gathered—Matt. 24:31; Mark 13:27
w13 7/15 p. 5
Great tribulation
w13 7/15 pp. 3-8
Illustration of the wheat and the weeds—Matt. 13:24-30
w13 7/15 pp. 13-14
Jesus comes, arrives—Matt. chaps. 24 and 25
w13 7/15 pp. 7-8, 24
Jesus inspects spiritual temple 1914-1919—Mal. 3:1-4
w13 7/15 pp. 11-12
Meaning of name Jehovah
New World Translation p. 1735
2014
Appointment of elders and ministerial servants
w14 11/15 pp. 28-29
Basis first-century Jews had for being “in expectation” of the Messiah—Luke 3:15
w14 2/15 pp. 26-27; w14 6/15 p. 22
Duration of cleansing of spiritual temple—Mal. 3:1-4
w14 11/15 p. 30
Marriage in the resurrection—Luke 20:34-36
w14 8/15 pp. 29-30
“Solid foundation of God”—2 Tim. 2:19
w14 7/15 pp. 8-9, 13
Two witnesses—Rev. chap. 11
w14 11/15 p. 30
2015
Gog of Magog—Ezek. chaps. 38 and 39
w15 5/15 pp. 29-30
Head covering for sister conducting a Bible study
w15 2/15 p. 30
Illustration of the talents—Matt. 25:14-30
w15 3/15 pp. 20-24
Illustration of the ten virgins—Matt. 25:1-13
w15 3/15 pp. 13-16
Types and antitypes
w15 3/15 pp. 9-11, 17-18; w15 6/15 p. 32
So you see with us the light of truths in the bible are getting brighter and clearer as Jehovah see's the need and timing for us to learn.
With Brother Russel he did partially see some of the prophesy's in the bible but it was not Jehovah's time yet to let us see them clearly. We are imperfect and sometimes we forget to wait on Jehovah and his timetables of events and when they will happen. Everything in the Bible that Jehovah says will happen, will happen.
Also Brother Rutherford never declared he was a prophet or has any other JW ever claimed to be a prophet. If one did do that, they would be removed for the organization.
@galveston75 saidNobody knows for sure how things will play out in the end times. You have a theory.... fine. You have made statements before and they turned out wrong Your track record in this area is pretty dismal. Have some humility.
Again this issue of the early Watchtower Society or more specific Brother Russel making statements about future events the bible says will happen, has been discussed many times. You and the others here do not accept our answers so why should we keep responding to your complaints? Perhaps instead of the typical knee jerk responses and maybe just using a little common sense ...[text shortened]... her JW ever claimed to be a prophet. If one did do that, they would be removed for the organization.
@rajk999 saidI've made no such announcements. And your only talking about a small hand full of suggestions by brother Russel.
Nobody knows for sure how things will play out in the end times. You have a theory.... fine. You have made statements before and they turned out wrong Your track record in this area is pretty dismal. Have some humility.
I have to admit that I am pretty depressed today.
Yes, this is a debating Forum. And yes, it is fun to blow your own trumpet and spout your disdain of the other person's pov.
But when I read how quickly the emotional attacks, and vociferous denounciations have spilled over from the other threads even into this one, I have to despair.
Especially KJ's thread on truth and illusion has shown me, yet once again, how tremendously difficult it is for any one of us to step outside the blinkers of our own pet persuasions, and make an effort to understand what the other guy is actually saying?
Is there anybody here who has a shred of hope that we will, as humanity, succeed in rallying together against the common threats that face us all (e.g. climate change, abject poverty, discrimination, etc) before this entire planet goes down the toilet?
And if so, what is my role in it?
@caljust saidYou probably have to filter out the rather simpleminded witterings of Trump supporting Christians. Sorry to say that. You need to reach out to more sophisticated and more open minded people. You are dashing yourself on the rocks of unreflected-upon duckspeak here. But you don't need me to tell you that.
Is there anybody here who has a shred of hope that we will, as humanity, succeed in rallying together against the common threats that face us all (e.g. climate change, abject poverty, discrimination, etc) before this entire planet goes down the toilet?
And if so, what is my role in it?
@caljust saidThe JWs think there is no hope outside of their organisation, and that they alone will survive Armageddon and live peacefully on the earthly Kingdom therafrter.
I have to admit that I am pretty depressed today.
Yes, this is a debating Forum. And yes, it is fun to blow your own trumpet and spout your disdain of the other person's pov.
But when I read how quickly the emotional attacks, and vociferous denounciations have spilled over from the other threads even into this one, I have to despair.
Especially KJ's thread on truth a ...[text shortened]... imination, etc) before this entire planet goes down the toilet?
And if so, what is my role in it?
Sonship thinks that only the LCM church are Gods church and only they will reign with Christ in the millennial Kingdom.
You apparently think these points of view are ok ?