I apologize for the blog pimping, and I try not to do it too often, but...
Yesterday I had my first experience with JW's at my house, and I wrote all about it on my blog.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
3 comments:
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That was extremely entertaining. Thanks for posting that. Also, just for the record, JW's not only differ on "hell" but also on the divinity of Jesus. They don't beleive Jesus is god. But they do hold that he was a specially created being for the purpose of salvation. I don't know the details. They also have their own brand of Bible translation that is different than all other Bibles--in order to support their doctrines. That's why it's a good idea to have another Bible available if you opt to debate Biblical passages with them. I think you were wise not to--but just fyi.
ReplyDeleteI never debate about specific word nitpicking in the Bible. I know you would be very good at that, but I'm much more familiar with the broad thrust of the Bible than I am with the fine details. There were several times when they tried to start telling me about what the Bible says, but I would say that I don't believe in their book and they would slide away from the subject voluntarily.
ReplyDeleteThere was one time when the older woman read me this vague, fluffy passage that was clearly trying to make one philosophical point. All I said was "That's interesting, what does that passage mean to YOU?" I think she was disappointed that I wasn't floored by the piercing insight of the passage into my own life or something.
Actually, even if I had the Bible memorized, I wouldn't enter into debate about "what the Bible says," because it's too interpretive--but Xians don't see that. Every one of them thinks it's "clear"--but every one of them interprets that "clear meaning" differently than the other denominations.
ReplyDeleteAlso, for every passage, there is a counter passage--which is why it works so well. "Build your house on the rock"; but "give no thought for tomorrow"; the atheist looks at it like "you can't win," the believer, on the other hand, can't lose--because no matter how he wants to see it, it's right there in black-and-white.
Anyway, just to say that your handling of it--not going there--I think is always the wisest move. Arguing the Bible is putting the cart before the horse, but it's a common mistake atheists make; and as you illustrated, it's just best to keep pointing out that you can't really give it any weight unless you believe in god. If they can get you into discussing the Bible, that's a quagmire nobody can ever come out of!