MRAP

Are we going bonkers, bring in politics, no, well, hell no. Dang, have any of you been on Face Book of late (of course you have). It's a mad house and you wanna bring that here. I do see some intrigue: how folks in the café would respond, yet, it's gotta be a no, really, religion + politics. I suppose you who want politics here are the same folks who hold a lit cigar while gassing up your car.

Was just heading off to bed but thought I would check out the café and saw this topic. It's so, well, like something invented by folks who have been living in a vacuum for, well, decades maybe. Are we all just seeing through all the TWI BS because of our age/s or is TWI just plain getting that weird? Don't answer, the question was just redundant. Hey, thanks for the read, it was a hoot.

Whoa TLC, I just got back on line, was down at my folks and no internet. I will look over those references you noted. What I said about DWBH was meant that he influenced me to look back towards the gospels rather than mostly concentrating on the Pauline Epistiles. It's the excellent blend I have always enjoyed. I have learned, it's always best to keep your thoughts to yourself until you are ready to really speak. I still have to look at something in Ezekiel regarding another doctrinal forum topic.

Even though I understood the mission of GSC to be a life boat for exiting TWI folks, Rocky is correct about GSC not being a damage control for TWI. I only ascerted that because I thought that we could help keep a Christian organization active and INFLUENCE the outcome. Well, DWBH wrote something that made me realize that is an impossibility: TWI will institute it's sellected new president and as long as the previous controller lives, the TWI president will follow their dictates. Yes, I should have known but had dreamt of a TWI that was pure and devoid of the corruption - TWI has so much capital to do God's work, but, that's not what will ever happen so long as the leadership follows the direction it has now and in the past. Like I said, DWBH wrote well in relating how the transition of power works in TWI. I still ascert, TWI will experience another mass exit and GSC should be prepared to receive. I don't dream for another TWI, I dream for those assets of TWI being put to a good purpose, what an f'n waste.

It's kinda funny/sad that twi is using the same junk they did some 30/40 years ago - like someone posted: nothing new under the sun. Really: Winston tastes good like a cigarette should - yeh, vpw smoked Kools (I thought only stoners smoked Kools) - VPW would bum a smoke but would not do the same: cheap ole German. I digress and will get back on thread. It's the same ole "greeting" as if they were writing an epistle in order to give it an authoritarian-God breathed sound. That's such BS. I recall letters from VPW and then the Martindale puke all started out the same. The presence of Biblical letter head and nothing else; I call that plagerism. Really, 40 years later and you still don't understand that you are just copying the introductions of great Christians who were actually receiving revelation to write down what God told them? TWI is very much so living in a past universe, thinking that those old tricks will still work: how outa touch can they be? What's even worse is how stupid they think their followers are, that's so wrong to treat your followers like imbeciles. When I got those letters I just skipped the whole first paragraph: they were not John, Luke, Paul, et.al. As I read stuff here on GSC about the current twi it astounds me that they treat their followers as dumb sorts, as they have for decades. I don't give a rat's butt about twi, live or die but I have this gut feeling about the followers, spending their money on twi and throwing their families and futures to the wind. At times, I wish I had never involved myself on GSC since I hate seeing that twi is still doing the same stuff to folks as it did 40+ years ago; nothing in the Bible says that greed has a limit.

Mr. T-Bone, thanks for understanding why I don't wanna hash on the trinity thing. I have posted some issues on the REV which have been addressed per the content and not the folks at STF, for which, I am thankful to the posters. My thanks to DWBH for getting me back into reading more of the gospels than the Pauline Episteles; it's a good thing, reading the words of Christ. Am sure though that DWBH would not approve of reading the REV as much as other versions: outside the REV it's mostly the KJV and prior to posting, I have to go on line to reference the many other versions, NIV, etc. The thing is, in the REV commentary those other versions are already referenced. I think the REV commentary does a good job referencing other texts, et.al. and gives the credit, unlike the manners of TWI that leaves it up to the reader and that they will assume it was TWI that did all the research. I read the REV on a daily basis and even though I have some concerns where I think JS has made leaps to the conclusion I don't post those as they seem ambiguous, mostly trinity issues so I just let that slide. Like I stated, discussions/debates on the trinity are "futile". T-Bone, thanks for your acceptance and open mindedness to my posts. The matter of the trinity must never deter one from talking the word and appreciation of Christian fellowship. Most of my family are Trinitarians, yet, on Christmas, in their Lutheran church with a very fantastic pastor, I just appreciate the fellowship and beauty of the moment (only my brother and sons know that I don't believe in the trinity). I once learned a lesson over 40 years ago when I tried to teach my folks about 4 crucified - What a mistake. Yes, I got way off topic and began to spew. Any further posts I have for the doctrinal forum will be a new topic/thread and then I will stipulate my references, i.e. REV, KJV,NIV, etc.. since the forum is not about source as much as it is about substance unless I have a particular question with a version, i.e.: the REV.

So, TWI has a need to troll sites in order to maintain what they have, isn't that quite indicitive of a paranoidic administration. As a founding father of the United States once said: "Fear the government that fears you". Any organization that feels the need to follow its people with that/this intently is destined for the big fall. I think that many of the folk in TWI will be looking for a life boat in the darkness they enter when leaving TWI. Nearly all of us here sought refuge once leaving TWI, did we not. There was no GSC when I left, no support group, there was, well, nothing. TWI is falling apart, the ship is splitting, and right now GSC is dealing with some of the more bold of the folk who have left TWI. I would ascert that GSC will be seeing more and more and preparations are in order. Don't get on me Rocky, Please! Isn't this the responsibility that GSC always hoped for but never anticipated? Hey, read the GSC mission!!!!

If I am reading/seeing the same poster: "overcoming the world - by your believing", isn't that some of the same propoganda laid on us back in the 70's (Word over the World). Oh, yeah, if the word did not go over the world, guess who's fault it was - I just loved living in guilt (actually, living in constant guilt is kinda releiving - you are already there).

T-Bone,first of all: thanks. Ironic as this might seem, I have been reading the first chapter of John these past few days in the REV and the commentary is quite lengthy as you know. Yes, VPW had an affiliation with the word pros and went on numerous tangents; the REV/John.S goes even further with logos and as you stated, does not address pros. I have read your dissertation quite carefully and you are spot on regarding what the REV is "pushing". I grew up Lutheran (Trinitarian) but never was a Trinitarian and neither was a grandmother who was also a Lutheran. You are a Trinitarian and I am not. The battle between beleifs such as ours has never ended well - i.e., resolution. I would never initiate a discussion on the Trinity since I believe it can not be resolved; I have come to accept that as important as it might be to the core of our beleif systems and personal theology that Christians can discuss Biblical issues that don't include the Trinity. Moving on, I have not had too many questions regarding the REV itself and when I have posted here on the doctrinal forum it is not necessarily rooted in something written in the REV but in other "versions" as well. I also am a KJV groopy - it's comfortable. In the future, I will just not stipulate any version. There is another thread here in doctrinal that is active that I wanted to interject on but need to get to Ezekiel and find the C and V.

I think the last thing I posted in the doctrinal forum, regarding something I questioned in the REV, was about the prophecy of Caiaphas regarding the need to kill Jesus.. I expect that this is a good time to exit this forum topic but would like to say to any new folks on the GSC that we often have quite heated discussions and that is something you would never be allowed to do in The Way - rank always was the last word in the matter - not the case here.

T-Bone had a good response, basically, if I had a question about the REV, then post it on the doctrinal forum, which I have done. My question here was about the REV in general (thought there might be some new folks outside the ol'e guard). Still, the attack is against those involved with the REV and not the stuff in the REV itself; in essence, in my ignorant sort of logic I would interpret that as meaning the ol'e guard here has not found anything incorrect in the REV or never took the time to read it. Hey, I'm O.K. with all that, to include the insults: does not take much to touch a nerve around this place.

StayQuiet, in order to stay the clandestine phantom (can't spell ghoust) then choose posting any of the details of yourself quite limited. That's not to say you should not ask all the questions that hit on your heart (as it were). This site (GSC) has a nearly unlimited supply of folks who are willing and eager to help you who themselves have exited The Way, most of whom are much more qualified than I - in fact, there are some just plain bonifide experts on the subject of organizations like The Way and whom in fact were in the higher reaches of The Way. That's my 2 cents and will now leave it to the experts. Oh, I left The Way long time ago - what a breath of freedom. God speed to you.

O.K., back to the issue of the REV itself. What part of it does anyone find wrongly presented/translated/interpreted, etc. I used the word "constructed" as an overall coverage of the above items in the sentence. Still, to this date, I have not read any rebutal to the actual stuff in the REV. Hey, I ain't defending the REV, I am seeking a conversation on any parts of it that are - debatable.

Wooden spoons, my kids lauged until I got one 2x4 sized - just kidding.

Rocky, you responded to me with a "WTF"........and alluding to the GSC mission. Read the mission Rocky, GSC is supposed to help those exiting twi, is it not? Given that this site is trolled by twi is one thing but that info is not gonna be made known to twits. I can only foot u me that twi will do its best to maintain membership affilication; my ascertation was directed to the concept of how to reach out to those considering leaving twi. How to, I don't have a clue., then again, I thinks others do. Always strike when the "opponent" is most vulnerable.

Revolution, right? Those kids there now could not enact that, they are kids. What, if we had guts we would have been/stayed in those idiotic twigs and waited out the storm and been the fifth collum. Now, many decades later, we think that we can have an opinion? Yeh, dissing on Rosie and and TWI but what does that gain anyone? Well, that's all water under the bridge So, what's up with the folks/kids and what can be done to save them from the transition that will occur in twi? Here I say is a transition point for GSC, send out the life boat and a damage control ship to keep the twi ship afloat but if (and you know what if means), let it sink. It's all about Christian sisters and brothers, isn't it?

I only met JAL once or twice so I really have no opinion on the man but am not excited by his current teachings. So JAL is TLF but my major concern is STF since I appreciate and enjoy reading the REV version (redundant) of the Bible. I have asked this question prior and not gotten a good answer about the REV: is it well constructed? I have gotten opinions on folks but none on the validity of the REV itself. Hey, I realize that any past affiliation with TWI will paint a target on a back but dang, I want opinion on the stuff in the REV - Yes, I have gotten some hyperbole about the folks involved in it but NEVER received anything regarding the REV itself. Hey, past TWI involvement does not make a person bad, otherwise, we are all bad.

I don't much care about the woman Rosie but I did know her lover, so what. I pray to see TWI purged of the evil it harbors and become an actual ministry but ain't holding my breath on that. It would be a shame to see a structure capable of delivering God's word totally demise. Yet, if TWI can not turn the corner then let them die.

Hey, let's just sit on this for a bit and see what develops. It would be great if TWI came outa the current mess and provided a ministery that aligned with the intent God would want from a ministery. Yes, I know, snow balls chance in hell but then again: the Mets won a series and the Cubs are running for it: oh, oh, armagedon is on the horizon.

Excellent thread choice WW. I suppose that I now ID as a "lurker". It had gotten to the point that my posts ignited a harsh exchange; I don't mind getting into heated "debate" but came to realize that it became personal rather than being professional and worse yet, counter productive to the purpose of GSC in helping new folks. It was just as much my fault as that of anyone else - I just had the need to get in the last word. I am having a great time lurking, there's plenty of great stuff to read and if I just hold my tongue for awhile, someone else will usually post my sentiments.

All good stuff but maybe we are going off on tangents here? Where's the Exit? Sorry to say there has never been a big red EXIT sign: open the door and walk outside. However and whenever you leave TWI, stuff drags along, lots of stuff. Some of it clings for years, decades and even longer. Here's the exit TWI renewed mind: count it all as dung. The Apostle Paul spent decades in his Jewish career and left that for the freedom offered in Jesus Christ. Consider his leaving the law for the true freedom. TWI (The Way) was the more legalistic and law oriented than any of our current Christian sects/denominations. TWI used Christianity just like the Jews of Christ's time used the "law" to enslave people for their own personal gain. Yes, it is pathetic. BlueCord, I think you have received some very excellent information on an exit strategy and more. Hopefully, the Grease Spot Cafe (GSC) has provided some usefull information for you and your wife to utilize.

Actually, when I first came to GSC a year or so back, some of the sites I visited had posts by him, I was not intimidated by the posts but as has been demonstrated here on GSC, I don't always pick up on the obvious. It's a "whatever" moment. Oh, by the way, I always enjoy your posts - interjection of humor will normally bring things back into perspective and refreshment for the next post.

I lost friends, forever, when I left. However you exit, expect the loss of some and be willing to accept it - you and your wife have a life to live. You have a convoluted assocciation with The Way - numerous ties. Your exit will be quite differenct than I and my wife. Follow your heart and your logical thoughts BlueCord, memories will haunt you, expect it but grasp hold on the freedom and the awakened life you have chosen - DON'T LOOK BACK. You are not turning your back on God - always keep that in your head. If anyone tells you otherwise, and they will, just let it go, let it go.

O.K., how many attempts at failed humor on GS have I met with, I will leave it to the experts, i.e., Waysider.

The downed pilot in the life raft, he's neither a Christian or a Muslim but prays to God to save him (and of course makes some bargain about changing); now who is he praying to?. A Muslim would want to know if he prayed in the the name of Allah and a Christian would want to know if he prayed in the name of Jesus Christ. So, does he have a chance that "God" will save him?