Please help! JW's have led me away!

[joberender]

Thank you all so much for your response. I was suprised by unexpected emotion and longing when reading all the messages. I dont know ehat it means or is but I am taking it as the holy spirit guiding me.

I told the JW elder that I had some greek translation issues that needed to be discused . . .he was taken by suprise and was some what rude! His response shocked shocked my fiance and she seems suspicious …

Thank you all again

joberender:thumbsup:

 

[stormy99]

---

I am a catholic. I went to a Jesuit high school and nearly finished my degree at WSU. My life took a turn down a wrong track (drugs, prison, and pain). The last number of years I have rebuilt my life and have a deep awe for the divine as it was God that brought me out of that dark life. I met a woman 2 years ago. She is now my fiance and we lan to marry in June. She was raised in “the truth” (Jehovah’s Witness). She is on the fence about her faith and was never baptised. We started s study with a JW elder and his wife. We go to meetings, assemblies, and her family is just thrilled I am on my way to the truth. I am very confused! I have packed away my crucifix, stopped celebrating holidays,and study their NWT bible daily. I have been told my son will have to be removed from catholic school, and literature not approved will eventually need to be removed from my house. I was even guilted into shaving off my goatee! I need some serions help in redemption. My fiance is onthe fence so I may be able to hekp her too (I think). What can I do. They are taking over my entire life. I dont want to loose my fiance or make her family hate me. Where do I begin? The following subjects need some clarification: cross as pagan symbol (Christ died an a stake?), divinty of Christ, pagan rituals in the church, their translation of the bible, go to sleep when we die?, any other questions they giveto lead others to their way. What is the truth about those subjects and how can I defend myself. How can I be led back and bring my fiance to the real church? There are three souls at stake here

****I had a small discussion with two JW’s this past Monday…and of course they asked…do you know where you will go if you die now…??? I said yes I do…I will be with My loving God…and they told me…oh no you won’t…you’ll just cease to exist period. I told him how sorry I was that they believed that as true and perhaps they ought to explore other religions that offer eternal life…told them my aunts and uncles were seven day adventists and they had the same warped attitude…my parting comment was I will pray for you daily…they had no comments at that point…but they did try and show me their bible…I told them…is that a Catholic Bible, if not…I’m not interested and they left.

No big argument just no budging on my part…my faith is solid…

If you are quiet you will hear the Holy Spirit speak to you…I think you are already hearing Him…listen, pray and go to Mass…reacquaint yourself with your Catholic Faith.

stormy****

 

[benidict]

Thank you all so much for your response. I was suprised by unexpected emotion and longing when reading all the messages. I dont know ehat it means or is but I am taking it as the holy spirit guiding me.

I told the JW elder that I had some greek translation issues that needed to be discused . . .he was taken by suprise and was some what rude! His response shocked shocked my fiance and she seems suspicious …

Thank you all again

joberender:thumbsup:

It may also help, if you and your fiancee talk to people who have left, and been ostrasized by even their own families. It is as if they are dead to their loved ones that stayed. Is this really an organization you want to be a part of. If your fiancee comes out with you, then she will need all the support she can get by you, and the Church. God bless you. My prayers are with you. and I pray St. Benedict and Mother Mary intercede to Jesus on your behalf. Lets pray for a miracle on the part of your fiancee, Shall we?

 

[GaryTaylor]

The first admission we must all make to ourselves? I take full responsibility for the postion I find myself in! And continue to remind yourself of this.

Those drugs in college? Well they would have remained on the table for eternity, or until someone picked them up. You picked them up. Oh there may have been some people around to help you along. But you did this, your responibility. On the other hand, you also put them down, you did that, oh there might have been people around who helped, but you did the work. So thats History now Right? Or is it too recent to be History?

Now, relationships are not about changing anyone. They are about accepting another as they are and loving them for who they are, and the joy they bring into your life. Once we start thinking past this, to the point of, “well if they did this a little different, or if that was a little different” Now we’ve entered into “your” perception of what you “think” another person should be. When you then set out to institute those changes its called “control”.

Here’s the problem when one reachs this point. We now have a person trying to control another, who can’t control themself. How is that ever going to work? To compound the problem, should you continue down this path, then at some point the train wreck will not be avoidable. I don’t know the magnitude, who gets hurt more, or how, they are all unknowns.

But I know this, your “already” suffering. To compound this your a “recovering addict”. And I have seen this movie.

Go talk to a Priest in the CC who you can relate to. Who you can really sit down and talk honestly with. Then your going have to vent all this in a “responsible” way with a someone to mediate this with your wife. Otherwise its you telling her, and her telling you. You need another who’s objective to both who can then explain the error to both. “Unless” you can both immediatly arrive at “truth” and see this relationship from above the trees or outside of the relationship. Respect, each others views and put personal “opinions” aside for the greater good. Some couples could do this, and they do it without even realizing what they are doing. In other words if you both can’t see this for exactly what it is, then it automatically works against you.

BTW its also not a process of converting her. If this relationship is based on a bias religious view to start, and the idea that “well I like this guy but the religion has to go”.and not a mutual respect of each other as people. There’s going to be much work to do. And a lot of soul searching and discovery of self truth. I don’t know the details.

God Bless, Gary

 

[Sarahforgiven]

There have been a ton of great posts here! I just have to say, why would you consider marrying out of the Catholic faith. I agree halt all nuptial plans, go to confession.
Read about the sacrament of marriage.
This is bothering you because in your heart you know where the fullness of truth is.
You have been involved with your fiancé for 2 years a long time. If you still can’t break away from this relationship, have a time out & see if she will attend RCIA classes with you.
[BIBLEDRB][/BIBLEDRB]

 

[JRKH]

Thank you all so much for your response. I was suprised by unexpected emotion and longing when reading all the messages. I dont know ehat it means or is but I am taking it as the holy spirit guiding me.

I told the JW elder that I had some greek translation issues that needed to be discused . . .he was taken by suprise and was some what rude! His response shocked shocked my fiance and she seems suspicious …

Thank you all again

joberender:thumbsup:

Joberender,

This sounds wonderful. Especially your fiancé’s reaction to the elder.

In regards to the issues of Greek translation, I’d like to share with you a resource that I have found most useful.
It is Here at studylight.org. While not a Catholic site, it is quite user friendly, offers a lot of bible translations including (for our purposes) both “literal translations” and side by side Greek/English Translations.

To help you with your Greek translations, Go to the “passage display” box and enter what you are looking for. You can then limit the search somewhat in the next box and finally select a version from the dropdown menu. I recommend for you discussions with JWs that you use the “KJV Strong’s Version”.

So if you enter : John 1:1 and Whole Bible and KJV Strong’s Version
You will see THIS displayed below the entry boxes…

Here you will notice a number of options next to the chapter and verse number. These options include “Greek” select this and it will display the verse in both English and in Greek like This.
If you look at the options next to the ch;vs number on this new page you will see one that says “side by side”. Click on this and a new box opens up with each Greek term translated side by side.
You can also click on any of the underlined words or the numbers to open a window n that specific term.

If there is a better resource on the web for this type of study, I haven’t seen it yet….

So - if you look at the opening verse of St John, there is no “a” before God in the passage, “the Word was God” The term that is used there “o” is not tranlated as “a”. Just click on it and see…

Peace
James

 

[jlhargus]

Where do I begin? The following subjects need some clarification:

cross as pagan symbol (Christ died an a stake?),

JL: catholic.com/thisrock/1991/9110fea1.asp Cross or Torture Stake

catholic.com/thisrock/2001/0101frs.asp Early Church Fathers on the Cross.

catholic.com/library/Stumpers_for_Jehovah_Witnesse.asp Stumbers for JW

catholic.com/magazines/thisrock.asp This Rock Magazine, at upper left is a quick rearch. Type in subject and enter, will bring up articles on that subject, such as Trinity etc…

divinty of Christ,

JL: catholic.com/thisrock/1996/9612fea2.asp Christ’s Divinity Proved by JW Bible

pagan rituals in the church,

catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0505fea4.asp Did The Catholic Church have it’s origins in paganism

catholic.com/thisrock/2000/0003chap.asp Pagan Influence Fallacy

catholic.com/library/Is_Catholicism_Pagan.asp Is Catholicism Pagan

Watch Tower Paganism:

“The ‘grand gallery’ measures 1874 inches long at the top, 1878 inches long at a groove cut in its sides about midway between bottom and top and 1881 inches, at the bottom…Now notice how aptly these three distinct dates (1874, 1878, 1881,) are marked by the pyramid…” WT 5/1881, p. 225 [pg 15 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516]

“…the Great Pyramid, the measurements of which confirm the Bible teaching that 1878 marked the beginning of the harvest of the Gospel age… the harvest would close forty years thereafter; to wit, in the spring of A.D. 1918… we have only a few months in which to labor before the great night settles down when no man can work.” WT 10/1/1917, p. 6149 [pg 22 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516]

“in the passages of the Great Pyramid of Gizeh the agreement of one or two measurements with present-turth chronology might be accidental, but the correspondency of dozens of measurements proves that the same God designed both pyramid and plan…” WT 6/15/1922, p. 187

“This chronology is not of man but of God … of divine origin … absolutely and unqualifiedly correct.” WT 7/15/1922, p. 217 [pg 25 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516]

“The most reasonable suggestion we know of … namely, that heaven is located in or in connection with the heavenly group, Pleiades.” WT 12/1/1896, p. 2075 [pg 18 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516]

“… the Pleiades may represent the residence of Jehovah, the place from which he governs the universe.” WT 6/15/1915, p. 5710 [pg 20 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516] [All the above taken from the book “Index of Watch Tower Errors”, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516]

“… this date, 1910, indicated by the Pyramid . . . we may well accept as correct the testimony of the Great Pyramid, that the last members of the ‘body’ or ‘bride’ of Christ will have been tested and accepted and will have passed beyond the vail before the close of A.D. 1910.” STUDIES, Vol. 3, early editions, p.364

By 1914 the Lord will have full control. Gentile governments will be overthrown; body of Christ will be glorified; Jerusalem will no longer be trodden; Israel’s blindness will be turned away; there will be world-wide anarchy; and God’s kingdom will take the place of man’s governments. STUDIES, Vol. 2, early editions, pp. 76-78

their translation of the bible,

JL: catholic.com/thisrock/quickquestions/?qid=2514 Quick Question of JW’s Bible

bible.ca/Jw-NWT.htm

go to sleep when we die?

JL: forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=7569147&postcount=43 My posts on soul sleep.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=7573771&postcount=54

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=7573816&postcount=55

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=7573832&postcount=56

forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=7573835&postcount=57

 

[jlhargus]

I met a woman 2 years ago. She is now my fiance and we lan to marry in June. She was raised in “the truth” (Jehovah’s Witness).

JL catholic.com/thisrock/1990/9004fea.asp Witnesses Master of Misquotation

In which JW truth was she reared? JW Errors, old light new light.

New light never contradicts old light, but adds to it. WT 2/1881, p. 188 [pg 15 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516

“Let all the angels of God worship him’ [that must include Michael, the chief angel, hence Michael is not the Son of God].” WT 11/1879, p. 48 [pg 15 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516

“to worship Christ in any form cannot be wrong.” WT 3/1880, p.83 [pg 15 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516

All creatures in heaven and earth shall worship Jesus as he worships the Father. WT 8/15/1941, p. 252 [pg 29 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516

You must worship and bow down to Jehovah’s chief one, namely Jesus Christ. WT 10/15/1945, p. 313 [pg 30 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516

“Jesus Christ further deserves honor because he is Jehovah’s chief angel, or archangel.” The Watchtower, Feb. 1, 1991

“God did not send some angel to rescue mankind. He made the supreme sacrifice of sending his only-begotten Son…” The Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1991

Do not erroneously conclude that Christians are to worship Christ. That is not what the Bible taught. WT 7/15/1959, p. 421 [pg 34 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516

“… it is unscriptural for worshipers of the living and true God to render worship to the Son of God, Jesus Christ.” WT 11/1/1964, p. 671 [pg 37 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516

Christians cannot be wishy-washy, going back to the same teachings they had rejected earlier. WT 5/15/1976, p. 298 [pg 47 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516

Revelation 22:12 is referring to Jehovah. A 8/22/1978, p. 15 [pg 49 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516

[Revelation 22:7, 12, 20 is referring to Jesus. WT 10/1/1978, p.15 [pg 49 Index of Watch Tower Errors, David A Reed, editor compiled by Steve Huntoon & John Cornell, Baker Book House Grand Rapids, Michigan 49516 ]

“Hence our dear Pastor, now in glory, is without doubt, manifesting a keen interest in the harvest work, and is permitted by the Lord to exercise some strong influence thereupon.” Watch Tower, Nov. 1, 1917 [COMMUNION OF SAINTS]

“No one of the temple company will be so foolish as to conclude that some brother (or brethren) at one time amongst them, and who has died and gone to heaven, is now instructing the saints on earth and directing them as to their work.” Jehovah (1934)

 

[Dokimas]

I am a catholic. I went to a Jesuit high school and nearly finished my degree at WSU. My life took a turn down a wrong track (drugs, prison, and pain). The last number of years I have rebuilt my life and have a deep awe for the divine as it was God that brought me out of that dark life. I met a woman 2 years ago. She is now my fiance and we lan to marry in June. She was raised in “the truth” (Jehovah’s Witness). She is on the fence about her faith and was never baptised. We started s study with a JW elder and his wife. We go to meetings, assemblies, and her family is just thrilled I am on my way to the truth. I am very confused! I have packed away my crucifix, stopped celebrating holidays,and study their NWT bible daily. I have been told my son will have to be removed from catholic school, and literature not approved will eventually need to be removed from my house. I was even guilted into shaving off my goatee! I need some serions help in redemption. My fiance is onthe fence so I may be able to hekp her too (I think). What can I do. They are taking over my entire life. I dont want to loose my fiance or make her family hate me. Where do I begin? The following subjects need some clarification: cross as pagan symbol (Christ died an a stake?), divinty of Christ, pagan rituals in the church, their translation of the bible, go to sleep when we die?, any other questions they giveto lead others to their way. What is the truth about those subjects and how can I defend myself. How can I be led back and bring my fiance to the real church? There are three souls at stake here

I can’t help you ‘defend’ the CC. IMO, that’s NOT the real issue here.

The real issue is as Jesus said, “Whom do men say that I am?”

Study what the Bible says about Jesus being the One and Only God. Present it in the King James Bible. Do it in the KJV because the Watch Tower prints and distribute it so they have to allow it in discussion AND it is very different than their own translation. (I should say they used to print and distribute the KJV - at least it was agreed upon the last time I spoke to a JW that came to our house.)

Present verses that show Jesus was worshiped and allowed worship unlike other godly men or angels. Find the verse that tells us on God is to be worshiped.

Present the 6 verses in Titus that calls God Savior 3 times and Jesus Savior 3 times.

Present Acts 20:28 which tells us that God purchased the church with His own Blood.

Present the verse where Jesus called Himself the same ‘I AM’ as Jehovah did in Ex 3.

Study this point with your ‘wife to be’. She needs to understand this point as well.

Remember, Jw’s have eternal souls and are without the real Jesus. Do they have hope? I don’t think so, not without the real Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God, who Was, Who Is and Who will always Be, the Alpha, the Omega, the Bright and Morning Star, the King of kings and Lord of lords, and much much more.

 

[jw2lds2catholic]

I was JW in my early twenties. I was lured by the earnestness by which they cling to the bible - how every question I had was readily answered by a few select scriptures. Afterwads I realzied the house of cards the faith was built on. My exit was relatively easy because I had no family in the faith, but I did lose friends.
I would strongly suggest postponing your engagement/marriage until she decides firmly and resolutely to leave the JWs alone. Raising a family with one a JW will only lead to heartbreak (no holidays, medical care issues, preaching work vs. friends, etc).
As for you, I would suggest you cease and desist from all JW activity. Their marketing is good in twisting the scriptures to read as they would like them to be read – not the true meaning. Remember where the bible comes from – the Catholic Faith and trust in her and her founder, Christ, to lead you to him.
Please pm me if you want to talk further.

 

[confusedius]

I was JW in my early twenties. I was lured by the earnestness by which they cling to the bible - how every question I had was readily answered by a few select scriptures. Afterwads I realzied the house of cards the faith was built on. My exit was relatively easy because I had no family in the faith, but I did lose friends.
I would strongly suggest postponing your engagement/marriage until she decides firmly and resolutely to leave the JWs alone. Raising a family with one a JW will only lead to heartbreak (no holidays, medical care issues, preaching work vs. friends, etc).
As for you, I would suggest you cease and desist from all JW activity. Their marketing is good in twisting the scriptures to read as they would like them to be read – not the true meaning. Remember where the bible comes from – the Catholic Faith and trust in her and her founder, Christ, to lead you to him.
Please pm me if you want to talk further.

Sadly I must agree - you need make a difficult decision. I don’t feel that “cease and desist” is the only answer- many have found their peace and love of God in the JW faith. I fully agree, however, that a mixed marriage in this instance would likely end badly.

It is only from my personal experience, but I truly feel is it hard, to the point of nearly impossible, to shed the yoke of our early training, whatever that might be. The caution you have been advised to use is a very good thought.

I feel it is a good sign that she is doing some soul searching. Perhaps you just need to get her involved and interested in your faith.

James

 

[Sufjon]

I am a catholic. I went to a Jesuit high school and nearly finished my degree at WSU. My life took a turn down a wrong track (drugs, prison, and pain). The last number of years I have rebuilt my life and have a deep awe for the divine as it was God that brought me out of that dark life. I met a woman 2 years ago. She is now my fiance and we lan to marry in June. She was raised in “the truth” (Jehovah’s Witness). She is on the fence about her faith and was never baptised. We started s study with a JW elder and his wife. We go to meetings, assemblies, and her family is just thrilled I am on my way to the truth. I am very confused! I have packed away my crucifix, stopped celebrating holidays,and study their NWT bible daily. I have been told my son will have to be removed from catholic school, and literature not approved will eventually need to be removed from my house. I was even guilted into shaving off my goatee! I need some serions help in redemption. My fiance is onthe fence so I may be able to hekp her too (I think). What can I do. They are taking over my entire life. I dont want to loose my fiance or make her family hate me. Where do I begin? The following subjects need some clarification: cross as pagan symbol (Christ died an a stake?), divinty of Christ, pagan rituals in the church, their translation of the bible, go to sleep when we die?, any other questions they giveto lead others to their way. What is the truth about those subjects and how can I defend myself. How can I be led back and bring my fiance to the real church? There are three souls at stake here

Hi there joberender. You said that the JW church is talking over your life. It looks to me more like you are caught between two churches. Most of us start life being caught between the world and God. Now you have churches added to the mix. I would get rid of the churches and focus on God. I wonder how many people find God sitting in a pew watching a ceremony or listening to a sermon as opposed to how many find Him out in the everyday world.

Your friend
Sufjon

Your friend
Sufjon

 

[JeanneH]

Thank you all so much for your response. I was suprised by unexpected emotion and longing when reading all the messages. I dont know ehat it means or is but I am taking it as the holy spirit guiding me.

I told the JW elder that I had some greek translation issues that needed to be discused . . .he was taken by suprise and was some what rude! His response shocked shocked my fiance and she seems suspicious …

Thank you all again

joberender:thumbsup:

For the safety of your soul please just walk away. You have gotten some wonderful advice here. Take it. God Bless

 

[PJM]

=joberender;7571083]I am a catholic. I went to a Jesuit high school and nearly finished my degree at WSU. My life took a turn down a wrong track (drugs, prison, and pain). The last number of years I have rebuilt my life and have a deep awe for the divine as it was God that brought me out of that dark life. I met a woman 2 years ago. She is now my fiance and we lan to marry in June. She was raised in “the truth” (Jehovah’s Witness). She is on the fence about her faith and was never baptised. We started s study with a JW elder and his wife. We go to meetings, assemblies, and her family is just thrilled I am on my way to the truth. I am very confused! I have packed away my crucifix, stopped celebrating holidays,and study their NWT bible daily. I have been told my son will have to be removed from catholic school, and literature not approved will eventually need to be removed from my house. I was even guilted into shaving off my goatee! I need some serions help in redemption. My fiance is onthe fence so I may be able to hekp her too (I think). What can I do. They are taking over my entire life. I dont want to loose my fiance or make her family hate me. Where do I begin? The following subjects need some clarification: cross as pagan symbol (Christ died an a stake?), divinty of Christ, pagan rituals in the church, their translation of the bible, go to sleep when we die?, any other questions they giveto lead others to their way. What is the truth about those subjects and how can I defend myself. How can I be led back and bring my fiance to the real church? There are three souls at stake here

Faith is purely a Gift from God; and that my friend requires YOUR willing co-operation. Being on the Forum is a good start.

I’ll try to cover a wide varity if information in this our first communication.

1. JW’s are not Christians! They are a non-believing Cult, with there own “gods” and own ideas of a book of truth. Ours is the nearly 2,000 year old Bible, of which the NT was written by Catholic Men who actually knew Jesus Christ; most of them are giving first-hand-eye-witness accounts of what took place. AND this is proveable even by Secular Historians.
2. JW’s are but a few hundred years old; founded not by God [not even “a god”] and there Book of wisdom is “of completely human origin.”
3. If one actually takes time to read there monthly passouts; one quickly discovers an anti -Christian; and anti-Catholic slant.GREAT care must be taken when reading these monthly propaganda flyers, and they are not comepletely factual.
4. Like non-Catholic Christians; because they do not have the SINGULAR TRUTHS on Faith and Morals on there side; so they are forced to develope altrenative beliefs; which are geared to be “easier” and more secularly acceptable. This is why they [JW’] unlike the Protestants, who accept most of the Bible; JW’s deny the Divinity of Christ, deny the Trinity; deny ALL of the Sacraments; deny heaven and hell, and deny the ENTIRE BIBLE.
5. The Catholic Church is the ONLY Christian Faith that dates back to the Time of Christ Visitation on earth. The Only Christian religion at the time the Bible was assembled, the NT written and it is the CC that gave the world the Bible.
6. Because of some of the suspect positions they hold as THERE TRUTH, they MUST deny access to there followers to any and all things Chrsitian and especially Catholics [who continue to grow and don’t go away. As was Christ promise to St. Peter.[Mt. 16:19].

One who goes from Catholism to a non-christian Cult, like the JW’s, is without doubt putting there very soul in danger.

Heb.6: 4 -10: “For it is impossible to restore again to repentance those who have once been enlightened, [Baptized] who have tasted the heavenly gift, [CATHOLIC HOLY COMMUNION] and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, [CONFIRMED AS A CATHOLIC -your decision!] and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, [HAD THE BIBLE PROPERLY, FULLY AND TRUTHFULLY EXPLAINED AT MASS] if they then commit apostasy, since they crucify the Son of God on their own account and hold him up to contempt. For land which has drunk the rain that often falls upon it, and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed; its end is to be burned.”

My friend get on your knees and pray for God’s Grace and Gifts of Faith and right Understanding. We can assist you; BUT ONLY God can save you and your’s.

Look for my PM message,

God Bless,
Pat

God Bless, Pat

 

[macreadys]

Hello
Are you learning what the Bible teaches or are you concerned about organizational procedures. Remember what Jesus told his followers that they would be hated because they hated me. Many people find out that the Bible says many things that support or deny traditional teachings and beliefs. I have seen many “Christians” (individuals and organizations) speak out abusively against JW’s but in doing so they go against what Jesus taught about showing love for enemies. Publicly and openly spreading bad things about another group of Christians do not set a good example. It even leads to hostile environments that turn into serious situations. (eg: Ireland - Catholic and Protestant wars)
I am a firm believer in reading the Bible to determine what is true and what false teaching. I have seen many scriptures that do not support the “Christian” mainstream teaching. I have also studied the background and history and development of doctrines and beliefs.
Many had nothing to do with scriptures but are taught as Christian belief.
So I hope you will take the time to examine all things (as the Bible says) and use your judgment as to true and false. Do this with your wife also. But most of all pray for insight and discernment.

 

[macreadys]

Faith is purely a Gift from God; and that my friend requires YOUR willing co-operation. Being on the Forum is a good start.

I’ll try to cover a wide varity if information in this our first communication.

1. JW’s are not Christians! They are a non-believing Cult, with there own “gods” and own ideas of a book of truth. Ours is the nearly 2,000 year old Bible, of which the NT was written by Catholic Men who actually knew Jesus Christ; most of them are giving first-hand-eye-witness accounts of what took place. AND this is proveable even by Secular Historians.

Pat - Please do not speak abusively of other organizations that claim to be Christian. I know for a fact JW’s strive to follow the teachings of Jesus in every day life not just one day a week. They are also not a cult. If so then all christian churches are a cult because it means they follow a man as their leader. (Look it up) They do not worship “GODS” this is total non-sense. Where do you get this information. The believe in one God and His Son Jesus. Your view on the Bible is also wrong - it was written by Jews (there were no Catholics then) Most of the NT is written by Paul who did not know Jesus. So please take the time to find the facts before telling others. If you are sounding hateful you are denying the Christian love you should have for all men.

1. JW’s are but a few hundred years old; founded not by God [not even “a god”] and there Book of wisdom is “of completely human origin.”
   PAT - THERE IS NO SUCH THING A A BOOK OF WISDOM IN THE JW’S
2. If one actually takes time to read there monthly passouts; one quickly discovers an anti -Christian; and anti-Catholic slant.GREAT care must be taken when reading these monthly propaganda flyers, and they are not comepletely factual.
   PAT - DO OTHER CHURCHES HAND OUT FLYERS - YES - READ SOME!
3. Like non-Catholic Christians; because they do not have the SINGULAR TRUTHS on Faith and Morals on there side; so they are forced to develope altrenative beliefs; which are geared to be “easier” and more secularly acceptable. This is why they [JW’] unlike the Protestants, who accept most of the Bible; JW’s deny the Divinity of Christ, deny the Trinity; deny ALL of the Sacraments; deny heaven and hell, and deny the ENTIRE BIBLE.
   PAT - THE JW’s WAY OF LIFE IS SO MUCH HARDER THAN ANY OTHER CHRISTIAN MAINSTREAM CHURCH. THEY ADHERE TO BIBLICAL TEACHINGS ON MORALITY AND DO NOT ACCEPT THE VIEW OF THE WORLD ON THINGS MANY CHURCHES EMBRACE OR IGNORE
4. The Catholic Church is the ONLY Christian Faith that dates back to the Time of Christ Visitation on earth. The Only Christian religion at the time the Bible was assembled, the NT written and it is the CC that gave the world the Bible.
   PAT - I FEEL SORRY THAT YOU WERE TAUGHT OR DEVELOPED THESE BELIEFS ON YOUR OWN - THE "CATHOLIC CHURCH APPEARED HUNDREDS OF YEARS AFTER CHRIST AND GREW FROM WITHIN THE ROMAN EMPIRE. ALL HISTORICALLY DOCUMENTED

i do not wish to respond to the rest of your “quote” because I will be repeating mush of what I have said. I can only draw on what I how I have seen “Christians” act (from all churches) as being raised a Catholic that truly deny Christ by their words and deeds. Jesus said his followers will be recognized by their love for one another and their neighbor. At least make sure your accusations are based of truth and accurate information otherwise the tables turn and you look like a cult member spewing hate.

 

[JRKH]

macreadys,
While I do not wish to condemn your posts I must say that they are off topic to this thread and can only act to derail what the OP has asked for, which is advice on maintiaining his Catholic faith…Why else would he be posting on a Catholic Forum.

In order to NOT derail this thread, I suggest that your objections to PJM’s comments (particularly regarding when the Catholic Church started) be moved to a new thread.

Peace
James

 

[fkjuliano]

It’s really an interesting coincidence that the two largest quasi-Christian cults, the Jehovah’s -]Witless/-] Witnesses and the -]Morons/-] Mormons, both shun the Holy Cross. It’s almost as if there were somebody, or something, behind those two creeds that is deathly afraid of the true symbol of Jesus Christ.

 

[Jim_Dandy]

macreadys,

The JWs read the same incomplete 66-book Bible you do. It’s the interpretation, don’tchaknow. The thousands of denominations in the world are all based on the same Bible.

Jim Dandy

 

[Tom66]

I am Catholic but I studied with the JWs for about a year before I decided the Catholic Church is where I belong. I also studied many other Protestant faiths as well. I will admit that the JWs use scripture out of context to try to persuade their beliefs.

The bottom line for me is the fact that the Catholic Church is the apostolic church Jesus founded at Pentecost. Since the time of the apostles there has been an unbroken chain of bishops by the laying on of hands beginning from the apostles to preserve the church for 2000 years now. Through the laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit is given to an individual who is a candidate for the priesthood to guide it in all truth. I’ve checked into what the Catholic Church teaches today to see if the early church taught the same things. I found that there are letters written from the early church fathers, many of whom were taught directly from the apostles themselves, that are consistent with what the Catholic Church still teaches today. The Trinity, the divinity of Christ, (Jesus is not Michael the Arc Angel, the celebration of Christmas, etc. were all taught in the early church. Jesus said the gates of hell will never prevail against the church. Paul says the church is the pillar and foundation of truth. (1 Tim 3:15). There are many other Bible quotes I could give you, but everybody can use scripture to persuade others to believe what you want them to believe. Just have faith that Jesus began his church with his apostles and told them to preach the gospel to all nations. There’s no way only the apostles could do that in their lifetime so they consecrated successors to continue the mission until the end of time. Keep in mind also that the Bible was never produced officially until about the 3rd or 4th century so all preaching was done orally in the beginning. The Bible is a product of the Catholic Church and you can find that in a basic encyclopedia. The JWs bible is much different from the Catholic bible.
Let me know if this helps. Most of all pray hard to God to find the truth, if you are sincere you will be led to the truth.

God bless,

Tom