Understanding Jehovah

[-SharonA-]

Can someone explain why Jehovahs do not celebrate in any form.

My granddaughter had a party and invited her classmate who's mum declined on the grounds that they were Jehovah Witnesses and did not celebrate such occasions.

My granddaughter was put out as this girl is among her best friends and was disappointed she could not come.

Sounds stupid to me, but what do I know!?!!!

[-SharonA-]

Lol nailit!! I would love to be there.

[melv16]

There's many more 'Christian' sects around other than the JW's. There was one in my fair city where the minister bonked half of the congregation.
I know of an architect, who, wanting to join another sect, had to let the leader bed his Mrs.
These people are not stupid and the vast majority are well educated, how and why they get brain-washed is a mystery to me.
Joining them will also cost you a lot of money and a probable split with your family and friends. JW's are well known for splitting members from their families.

[goodlife]

It seems to me you are set within your own little world. Marriages are broken every day in Christendom. None of you have absolutely no idea about Jehovah's Witnesses.

I really don't know where you all get your information from but it is certainly not from JWs. What you state are complete fabrication and there is absolutely no truth in it.

I feel so sorry that you are completely misled.

[jomifl]

/it is certainly not from JWs./
strangely, I wouldn't expect JWs to be forthcoming with the truth as they wouldn't recognise it if it bit them in the pass.

[murraymints]

it is all too complicated and quite. at times. sad !

[melv16]

I have no reason to tell lies, goodlife. I said earlier in the thread that my nephew is a JW. His wife like her mother have been members for years. His father (my brother) was warned by an ex member that the church elders would make home visits to persuade him to join, they would also try to drive a wedge between them. They succeeded on the former, but, thankfully failed on the latter.
The other two examples I gave have nothing to do with the JW's.
Btw, how much is it costing you to be a JW?

[-SharonA-]

You have to pay?????????????

[melv16]

To be a Mormon will cost you 20% of your salary, Sharon.

[melv16]

Come on, goodlife. How much is the Kingdom Hall taking off you?

[-SharonA-]

Strewth, I would say I'm unemployed!! Lol.

[hellywelly4]

I worked once as a secretary in a primary school. One little girl's parents were JWs and she wasn't allowed to go into morning assembly. I felt so dreadfully sorry for her as she had to sit on her own in the entrance hall until the end of assembly. She came to sit with me sometimes. A friend of mine who was a C of E vicar used to ask JWs if they had read the original Greek gospels - apparently their interpretation of the bible rests on just one sentence? I know it takes all sorts, but I have my own beliefs and would never try to impose them on anyone else.

[goodlife]

You quote one instance. Jesus said, "you received free give free" read Matthew Ch 10 v 8.
You can become a JW and it does not cost you a penny, you give if you wish, and if you don't want then you don't. You can leave JWs at any time, there is no obligation for you to remain it you don't want to.
As to children sitting out of assembly, some mothers go in to school and sit with their children during assembly my daughter sits with her children. But I don't have to defend myself or my beliefs you will only listen to those who have no idea or have third hand information.

[nailit]

//But I don't have to defend myself or my beliefs //
You do if you want any credibility on a question and answer site.

[Cloverjo]

A long time ago, when I was a very lonely single mother, I invited a JW couple into my house. I was looking for something to belong to so thought I'd find out more about their religion. They were very nice and we chatted for a while.
It was when the woman said she had also been a single mother and had had to apologise for the sin of having a child outside marriage before she could join JW that I knew I couldn't have anything to do them. It took a while for them to stop knocking on my door once a week, though.

[nailit]

clover, at one time I had a very large collection of books on the occult. I always used to invite JW's in (at the time I was genuinely interested in listening to all points of view re: religion, spirituality etc) After browsing my book collection they often declined to come back...

[Cloverjo]

My son loves discussing religion with JWs if they knock on the door, and Scientologists and the like on the street. They're usually happy to get away from him once he gets started.

[nailit]

Thats the problem Clover, religionists dont like knowledgable people. They prefer a 'blank canvas' to paint their own religious twaddle on to.

[nailit]

And I can say this from experience, I used to be religious myself when I was younger. Knowledgable people made me nervous.

[-SharonA-]

Goodlife, we are trying to understand this religion and appreciate all replies and input.
It does come across as unfair and the explanations given at times seem harsh.

[nailit]

Sharon, goodlife seems to think that most people are getting their info 2nd (or 3rd) hand. That may be true in some cases but I myself have always tried to get 1st hand information. Over the years I have attended JW meetings, spoke to dozens (if not hundreds) of JWs, have read their literature. And Ive done the same for many other religious philosophies. All have been found wanting.