The Girl From Oz

You will get the bigger mansion so that you can house your 72 virgins. No, wait.... wrong religion. Oh well, never mind!

"Equipment room"??? I don't mean to be crude, but if you can find your way into a woman, surely you can aim without missing a 12 inch hole? -->

Hey Tom, We call those things "dunnies" here in Oz. No problem of dangling or splashes when there's a 10 foot drop!

Same is here in Australia re seat to puddle distance. Still doesn't stop the little pools of wee ending up on the floor that inevitably occur. With the diameter of toilet bowls being as they are, surely men could aim a little better???? :P-->

How could anyone take seriously anything written by a bloke called Wee Willie? --> :P-->

Gluttony? Stop misleading the masses, Refiner, you cult-leader-wannabe :P--> The reason why people dont drink the wine or eat the unleavened bread is because only those who think they are of the 144,000 class are allowed to. And there's only 7000 of this "class", out of approx 3 million JWs.

Amazing quote - it certainly describes the mindset of cults such as "the Way" and JWs.

Anniversaries are not really "optional". Just about all JWs celebrate wedding anniversaries - it's the only thing they can legitimately celebrate. I've noticed over the past decade or so, that many JWs make it a family celebration, in which the children receive presents as well. Since they dont celebrate birthdays or Christmas, it is the only time the family can get together and swap presents, without the fear of Armageddon hanging over their heads :(-->

Has Refiner stepped off his soapbox yet? ;)--> The "Memorial" is held every year, approximately around the time of the Jewish Passover. What happens is: A talk about Jesus' ransom sacrifice is given, and towards the end of it the scriptures about the blood and the body are read, and the symbolism of the bread and wine is explained. The wine is passed around, but no one drinks from it, unless you claim to be one of the 144,000. Same happens with the bread, which is made of unleavened flour and water. The wine has to be free of preservatives and additives (in order to represent the purity of Jesus' sacrifice). Everyone who is anyone in the congregation attends the Memorial - if you are a believing JW, you don't dare miss out attending. Non-believers are invited, especially spouses and family members of JWs. If you are able to bring along a Bible Study or Return Visit (non-JWs who show interest in JWism), then you get extra respect by your peers. Everyone dresses up for the Memorial - it is the highlight of every JW's calender.

Guess I post what the public wants :P--> (see, everybody - told ya that Refiner is a gruff ;)-->)

The number is right but the concept of "working hard" to become one of the 144,000 is incorrect. The 144,000 is supposed (by JW doctrine) to be made up of the early Christians, including those who were Christians during the Middle Ages and up until 1914. According to the JWs, the number was then sealed and the only ones who can become one of the 144,000 after 1914 are very faithful individuals who claim they have the heavenly calling. Those who claim to have this calling are heavily scrutinised, especially if you are young or have only been a JW for a short period of time.

Thanks Raf - that hot chocolate looks delicious :D--> Have any of you guys ever been to Italy? Their hot chocolates are so strong, it's like they've melted a cholate bar, and added a tablespoon of milk to it! Mm-mmm

When I left I still considered myself a Christian, although now I have come to the conclusion that although I still believe in a Supreme Being, I dont consider the Bible to be the inspired book of God. Thanks for the coffee although, I generally drink hot chocolate because I'm not too fond of coffee. But it smells good though! :D-->

:)--> Hi there, I was told about this board by another newbie, Refiner, who is a good friend of mine. We are both ex-Jehovahs Witnesses. A little about me: I was born and bred a Jehovahs Witness, I left about 5 years ago. I left mainly for doctrinal reasons - there were clear differences (at least to me) between what the Bible said and what the church taught. In good conscience, I could not remain a JW and so I walked away. It was a huge thing to do, as my immediate family are still JWs, and all my friends were too. Fortunately, due to the internet, I knew I wasn't alone. I have been around ex-JW boards for many years now and have made many friends via them. Refiner, despite his gruffness :P--> is one of my oldest and best ex-JW friends :D--> I hope you don't mind me lurking and perhaps, throwing in the occasional comment. I apologise in advance for my ignorance concerning your former religion, but I hope I can learn from you, and maybe, even vice versa.