Rocky

IOW, if the organization badgers you about how much you need to give them, it's a cult. BTW, Mormon churches do that too.

A very insightful post that demarcates the difference between what "the Word" says and the organizational practices, which is the STORY of how the Word is actually communicated by way of do as I say, not as I do.

Very recently (in March 2025, I believe) Leor Zmigrod published a book on The Ideological Brain: the Radical Science of Flexible Thinking. In general (so far) she addresses religious AND political thinking but doesn't suggest she favors one side or another. This book, IMO, is germane to this thread's discussion because IN PFLAP we were indoctrinated to think according to how Victor Wierwille taught the bible. In the nearly 40 years since I left TWI, I've changed how I think about both religious and political subjects and values. I will not reference any such subject as if I believe what I used to hold as true is particularly wrong, or even right or correct. But I do now hold that the entire notion of private interpretation of "God's Word" is inherently NOT valid because I believe humankind is unable to authoritatively make such pronouncements due to our inherent neurological, emotional, social or otherwise psychological limitation. Nevertheless, carry on with the discussion of TWIs view of private interpretation of the bible. Rather, my view is encapsuled in the wisdom (of Solomon?) in Proverbs 2:1-5.

But I digress.

Do joyful souls generally project hate?

She taught music in Colorado.

Isn't the singer at the 15:40 mark actually Stevie Kay?

Glad I asked. I would never have known otherwise. :)

Including a prominent forerunner of GSC. Perhaps our "Joyful" "friend" encountered it back in the 1990s. ;)

Missed one what?

Holy CARP!

Are you an official spokesperson for twi these days? LOL.

Indeed, it IS NOT a democracy. Except that you are FREE to come and go as you please. There IS in our (American) society, a certain law and order. Lots of people challenge the law and the order. Kinda like how children test boundaries of acceptable behavior/conduct. There also are moderators in society, btw.

Why would you say that?

It's JUST a discussion. It's not a competition.

Gosh golly gee... is it OUR job to convince the JoyfulSoul guy to be less judgmental? I kinda doubt it.

To shine LIGHT on the darkness we've seen. Why would that be a bad thing?

Time will tell. However, Judge not, lest you be judged. Galatians 5:21-23 New International Version 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Zoom seems to be disruptive technological innovation in the realm of video and audio telecommunications these days.

TWI's god?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chuck_Baldwin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candace_Owens

I wasn't even alluding to you Joyful. But Victor Wierwille DID seek power over believers. Here's also a helpful hint: Chuck Baldwin and Candace Owens are American political figures. We don't do politics discussions at GSC.

What's that quote from Plato...? Only those who do not seek power are qualified to hold it. https://www.azquotes.com/quote/912336

Glad you had a good experience Joyful. For many of us here, it would take a lot more than people being friendly and joyful to overcome the darkness the organization embraced for many years. If you go to ROA 2025, let us know what you think.

Congratulations Twinky!