topoftheworld

And as an instruction guide, it's quite helpful: it allowed us to get our foot in the door, at least a lot farther than the demonitional teachings I got growing up. Was there spiritual inspiration in putting it together? Probably. But Bullinger's "How To Enjoy the Bible" circa 1907 does the same thing, using the language of that day. The difference in the two are the doctrinal thesis's each uses to get his point across. But I believe that the point of both was to get the scholar to "Search the Scriptures".....not replace them with another's words. Thanks, Raf. As usual, you say it a lot better than I could.

Great story-hadn't seen it before. Thanks for sharing.

Mike, RE: "Every word I have written is true"-TNDC P34 You of all people should understand the problems with taking things out of context, especially just for the purpose of making a point. For your readers (although their is a danger of putting them to sleep), the complete context of the above quotation is as follows: "If you by your free will accept Christ as your Savior and renew your mind according to The Word, you will find that every word I have written to you is true." So, some guy gives me instructions on how to put a bike together. I follow the instructions, and it works. Does that make the author of those words special (especially when he got his words from the manufacturer to begin with?) BTW PFAL P83 quote: Again, the use of a phrase out of context, but very pertqinent here: Two sentences before the one you quoted, VP says: ""Search the scriptures..." It does not say search Shakespeare or Kant or Plato or Aristotle or V.P. Weirwille's writings or the writings of a denomination. No, it says, "Search the scriptures..." because all Scripture is God-breathed. Not all that Wierwille writes will necessarily be God breathed...."" So, he says one thing (do not search VP's writings) and yet his writings are God Breathed, so we should? I also wonder about the use of the word "necessarily"...so he himself is implying that some of his words are God breathed. I see a contradiction. (Search the scriptures, search me...???) Maybe I'm just not believing.

I realize I'm gonna get jumped on for saying this-and sound like something I'm not-but does anyone remember VPW ever sending out letters like this? With that tone? For me, I doubt it and do not remember any: a major difference in leadership skills.

Some of the highlights of Season One: Tony had a family of ducks come spend time in his pool, and seeing the closeness of the duck brood-just the mirror opposite of his own family-is what started his panic attacks and the visits to a shink. 'Course, he didn't tell Carmilla that his shrink was a woman. Carmilla's priest liked to visit with a lot of ladies in his parrish-he got a lot of free meals that way. When Carm's guilt started getting her down, the priest paid more attention. This attention ended with a close encounter at her house after the priest gave her communion and then proceeded to get drunk. Tony's mom is a horror: not one good thing ever comes out of her mouth unless she's speaking to the grandchildren. She's also playing senile to Tony, while cozying up to Junior Soprano and feeding him ideas on managing both Tony and the Family affairs. And, yes, Tony has a full time mistress named Isabella.

Oldies, Isn't there a Catch-22 in all that? If I'm M & A, to whom and how I am going to prove that I am suddenly worth? How can I prove I'm not causing divisions and annoyances if I can't get close to unmarked believer's? Do I send a tear stained letter to the BOT? If my reason for being M&A stemmed from someone who was later also M&A, what to do? Their files must be pretty thick; if they are maintaining documentation on who di what to who. By the way, what about children of an M&A couple? Suppose they want to get in?

Survival gear: military packs: a way for people who had money to prove their loyalty to the Corps by forking it all over when asked....of course, it was given willingly. I really felt bad later for the folks who bought into the hype and liquidated their assets to get this stuff together. I seem to remember one of the couples who did this, and they had wonderful hearts.

Definitely need to see the originals in the Documents section: seeing those should speak volumes to any detracters who may believe this stuff is just all the product of over worked imaginations. You can almost hear him, can't you?

"Why say I am wasting my youth? I'm not in "The Way".---Quote by CKM "I believe the way is corrupt"---Quote by CKM Just curious, CKM...if the above two statements are true, how did you happen to go to HQ? Were you invited? Did you go with your parents? You've said some good things about TWI under VPW, and bad things about the current rule and ruler: so, why go? Jest wondering.

I don't know, Dooj...if he was, you'd think his methods would be a little softer: right out of the gate he was biting back if somebody looked at him crossways. Not exactly representative of a "kinder, gentler" TWI. If TWI is using him, then they have sunken to a new low-even for them.

For you, Jim-one of my fav's, too.... I am just a poor boy and my story’s seldom told I’ve squandered my resistance for a pocketful of mumbles, such are promises All lies and jest, still the man hears what he wants to hear And disregards the rest, hmmmm When I left my home and my family, I was no more than a boy In the company of strangers In the quiet of the railway station, runnin’ scared Laying low, seeking out the poorer quarters, where the ragged people go Looking for the places only they would know Li la li... Asking only workman’s wages, I come lookin’ for a job, but I get no offers Just a comeon from the whores on 7th avenue I do declare, there were times when I was so lonesome I took some comfort there Now the years are rolling by me, they are rockin’ even me I am older than I once was, and younger than I’ll be, that’s not unusual No it isn’t strange, after changes upon changes, we are more or less the same After changes we are more or less the same Li la li... And I’m laying out my winter clothes, wishing I was gone, goin’ home Where the new york city winters aren’t bleedin’ me, leadin’ me to go home In the clearing stands a boxer, and a fighter by his trade And he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down or cut him ’til he cried out in his anger and his shame I am leaving, I am leaving, but the fighter still remains Yes he still remains Li la li...

At least somebody is, Cool. Penquin: Yeah, that's probably how they are thinking. I can't help wondering where that armour plated believing was on Sept 11. How did they justify that? Crazy as it may sounds, and long before finding Greasespot, it did occur to me to wonder during that horrific time if our "hedge of protection" was gone since TWI was fading into obscurity. I know, I know, it was "Waybrain" thinking. But still.....

Holy *****. I had no idea. Was the stone made before or after: i.e., was it his idea or Mrs.?

Good choices all. Mine-"Alone again, naturally". (Gilbert Sullivan?)

Hey, Belle's back! Ok, for those who are just dense (meaning me) we are talking about the retorical statement VP made a while back, correct? Please tell me that he really didn't have that put on his stone. Belle, I don't believe he was possessed. I think he was just sick, sad, and tired. No excuses for his behaviour, but he knew it was all coming to a boil, and he knew he blew it.

Yeah-remember all the angst she was dealing with season one (not to mention the priest)? Hard to pinpoint when she finally said "screw it, I'm entitled to whatever I can get". I liked her better when she was soul searching.

"But I still believe there is hope for LCM" ???? And you base this on....what?

Maybe you need to include yourself on the list, CK. You seem to feel that just because this is "Your topic" that you have the right to behave any ol way you want. Not a good leadership skill. So, if you walk in a restuarant with a bunch of friends, and you happen to chose the table, does that make it "your" table? Do you therefore dictate how the conversations will go? Do you rudely berate someone who may change the topic or comment on how something was stated? You will get grief if you give grief. And, you may find yourself sitting at the table alone. I sure wouldn't want to go out with those friends for an evenng of casual conversation knowing that the host is just waiting to slap me down. Seems most had enough of that while in TWI. Which, by the way, IMO was the purpose of your "survey". You tipped your hand early on by noting that no one (at that point) had voted for VPW. When those votes came in slowly, it just gave added weight to your belief the VPW did it right, and nobody else could hold a candle to him. Well, are you willing to listen to those who have an opinion on that subject...or do you just plan on sticking your fingers in your ears and saying "Na na na na na!" If that's what you are going to do, then you may be very lonely in here. Then again, maybe we'll just keep trying.

That's really cute, Kit....and a great sentiment.

Well, jeeez..saw that a mile away. If Johnny hadn't shot Tony, I'd been surprised. Ok, bets on who shoots him next..Christopher or Carmilla.

Er, Raf...was that what you had in mind?

Yep, I'll be there. I was all settled into the "and things will carry on as normal" theme that they seemed to wrap up last season with, as Tony snuck back into his house sans gun and soaked from his flight. After killing Adrian, that just seemed the typical "they'll never get caught" out. Now we will see what the writers come up with. One thing about the show-sometimes the first run through doesn't settle quite right...you may need the second. Can't wait.

Paw and Chas. Well done. Pay no attention to the young man behind the curtain.

The Untouchables. Love that movie.