Is the TRUTH imortant? We know that in the world the truth is not often so important. Of course nobody wants to be cheated, but when theythemselves cheat it is not anymore a problem. Many so-called christians in today's churches also say, that to know the truth about beliefs is not important. How about the Watchtower society today? I thought the truth was important for them, because they use frases like "we are in the truth", "we must stay in the truth", "we have the truth".
That's what the unexperienced members think, that they are in the truth. Surely they have some more accurate understanding about elementary beliefs, that the other churches have not accepted. But when I confronted the elders in my congregation about 1914, and easily proved to them that God's Kingdom is not yet established, they admited that I might be right. I asked them to prove me the contrary to persuade me back to WT-understanding, if they can. But they refused. They did not even try. Then I asked them: Is not the truth important for you, because we always have been saying we are in the truth? But they said: The truth is not so important, the unity is more important. And they continued to explain somthing like: But you have to wait on Jehovah, when he gives new understanding in the Watchtower, then it will be time for new truths.
I wondered from where have they got a such idea, that the unity is more important than the truth? But I think, it's what they are taught in the schools for elders wich they arrange, is it every 2 years? Maybe it is also what the circuit oversees teach them in the secret during their visits.
But the qustion is: Is the truth important? Or is the unity more important?
Would you like to live in a lie? Would you like to be cheated? Or do you want to be in the truth?
What does the Holy Scriptures say?
Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for, indeed, the Father is looking for suchlike ones to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.†John 4:23,24 (NWT)
That was surely one of the first scriptures you learned when you started to study the Bible with the Jehovah's witnesses.
Also this verse I remeber from the Live for ever-book: John 8:44 (NWT) YOU are from YOUR father the Devil, and YOU wish to do the desires of YOUR father. That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of [the lie]. 45 Because I, on the other hand, tell the truth, YOU do not believe me.
That already convinced me that the truth is very important.
But there is more about the importance of the truth: Romans 1:18 (NWT): For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who are suppressing the truth in an unrighteous way
Ephesians 4:25 (NWT) Wherefore, now that YOU have put away falsehood, speak truth each one of YOU with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another.
2Thessalonians 2:10-12 (NWT)
for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth that they might be saved. 11 So that is why God lets an operation of error go to them, that they may get to believing the lie, 12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.
If they from the WT-society would read this, they would surely feel very hurt. Are we wrong in exposing false teachings? Or should we do as the elders say, do not expose missunderstandings in the Watchtower but wait for Jehovah? I asked them where have they got the idea that you should wait for Jehovah? They could not give any convincing answer. But apostle Paul said: So, don’t share in the unproductive deeds of darkness, but speak out against them. Ephesians 5:21 (2001 Transl.)
So for me it is clear, as it was when I was baptised as one of the Jehovah's witness the truth is more important than unity. Did not Jesus say: Do not think I came to put peace upon the earth; I came to put, not peace, but a sword. 35 For I came to cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a young wife against her mother-in-law. 36 Indeed, a man’s enemies will be persons of his own household.- Matthew10:34 (NWT)
And in Luke 14:26 (NWT) it continues with the extreme words: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own soul, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever is not carrying his torture stake and coming after me cannot be my disciple.
Therefore, may you appreciate the truth more than the unity.
May God bless you
Your brother Jan
Hello Brother,
The scriptures you mention on "truth" refer to the attitude to worship, particularly to the Messiah. John's gospel quote is Jesus' referal to the underlying Pharisaic attitude ("corban" an example) and their argumentative nature against what they plainly saw as the Messiah before them, whereas the later letters were counsel to avoid that same rejection of the Messiah now that they had learned "the truth" - that Jesus was the foretold Messiah - the truth that sets them free of law and death and moves them forward in Jehovah's purpose.
Is truth important?
Today people think of "truth" and knowledge" together, if not synonymously. This notion of "truth" demands fine analysis to tiny, tiny details, instead of the fine attitude which God seeks and approves of. Jeshuren's post in 1 OF MINI's really telling thread "How will embracing Your doctrines make our Christian worship better??? " sums up the differences quite well, and the respective levels of importance.
As an example of this: we remember good people and the good they do, the fine acts they do - we remember them fondly: their smile, their care, their support despite all of their flaws; but someone filled with accurate knowledge isn't remembered so well. They may be remembered as accurate, intelligent perhaps, perceptive, informative perhaps, but their knowledge can be replaced with a book.
A good heart can't be replaced can it - for all it's flaws, for all the things it gets wrong, it's motives have a purity that knowledge and attention to detail can't approach. That's even more important in our worship, where our mistakes in detail are simply a flawed covering over the wonderfully fine heart which God values more than anything else in us. Just as well really, since we're all wrong about many things.
Acts5v29
Hi Jan,
I think that the search for truth is the most important, because most people are satisfied that they already have the truth... but most don't.
Jesus told us to keep on seeking, knocking, and asking, which is something that everyday JWs have simply stopped doing after their conversion. They go preach to people urging them to keep an open mind, then insist that they slam it shut tight after baptism. Of course, the same is true of all religions.
I have a dear JW friend who comes to visit me regularly, and whenever I point out some error in their beliefs, he says, "We must wait on Jehovah." That's a great line for covering over error... just forget about it! So, unity, not truth, becomes their new goal, because they are so spiritually bankrupt.
Things have changed, because I do remember when truth was their goal. And yes, the entire Bible -- and especially Jesus -- speaks of the need to learn the truth. But it is an elusive thing, so that's why we must keep an open mind and keep on searching, knocking, and asking.
Why, Jehovah Himself said at Jeremiah 29:13, 14, "You can search for Me and you’ll find Me; and when you search with your whole hearts, to you I will make an appearance!"
I read in another thread where one person puts "personal revelations" ahead of Bible study, and that is a dangerous position. God's Holy Breath inspired the Bible writers, and putting our own "revelations" and thoughts higher than that is vanity, because it leads to a distrust of the Bible, which is what brought us here.
We see too much of that attitude from those who frequently write, "Well,
I think..." as though there is any importance in that. I'd so much rather read a scripture than someone's self-exalted viewpoint.
I believe that I can say that I have had personal revelations via God's Holy Breath, but I keep searching the Bible to see if they are true, just to make sure that I am not fooling myself.
I once wrote an article about truth, and if anyone should be at all interested in reading it, you can find it at
http://www.2001translation.com/Truth.html.
Your friend and brother,
JIM
The Rabbinic sages would ask- What is Good? Meaning 'what is the good thing to do'.
Jesus taught simple truths- Love God, love your neighbor as yourself.
In other words Do Good.
People can get mired in a lot of things in their lives but doing good things for our neighbors gets us back to the simple truths of our Faith in Christ.
designs
Dear brother Jan -
It's up-setting, I know, to try to understand their explanation. Because doesn't it make sense that
Jehovah has already had His say in the pages of our Bibles, and especially in His Son's recorded words? There is no 'waiting' - God has spoken once for all times on this matter of 'truth'! Just think how many times the word 'truth' appears in the Scriptures - then think how many times the phrase 'unity in doctrine' appears.... :thinking:
But you have to wait on Jehovah, when he gives new understanding in the Watchtower, then it will be time for new truths.
There is no 'new truth' and 'old truth' or 'present and past truth' with God - His truth is immovable and He has retained the same morals and values from time indefinite. I guess what the elders were repeating is the so-called F&DS' instructions to delay doubt in the F&DS itself... what it is in reality is the so-called F&DS saying 'wait for Jehovah to correct what we got wrong'. Even so - Jehovah has already spoken about every single thing that you're being told to wait on for an answer. It's crazy - but they get you so busy running around in circles that all you get is tired and dizzy!
The WT would rather cling to its web of intricately drawn misconceptions, half-truths and out-right lies to continue in their 'seats of power'. Time has proved their predictions to be wrong. Time and research has proven a good many of their doctrines wrong. They've white-washed it all by revising their own history. They try to make it look as though 'unity' - even if it's uniformity to doctrine and not true unity- is the more important thing. But you and I and billions of others before us have known how highly God regards truth.
If they can keep the sheep in confusion, then the sheep will look to them for answers. They are nothing but hired hands who don't love the sheep - just waiting for the right time to turn them over for slaughter....:rant:
hmmm, ok, end of rant :redface:
In the John 4 scripture you sited - I'm convinced that in keeping with the context of Jesus' words, it is our own truthfulness that God wants in our worship, and our own unity with His Spirit - not that we have to run around trying to find 'who' has this truth and spirit and then follow them - we should have it in us to be His worshippers! It's humility - truthfulness of ourselves - that allows us come to God and become His children - then we have unity with other believers through faith in His Son.
Wherever we are, we love God and His Son - so we're never without God and His blessings. He will not lose even one of His sheep because we're now in His Son's care - the ultimate Good Shepherd!
Love to you, brother, and to all:grouphug:
:peace:
ps -
We see too much of that attitude from those who frequently write, "Well, I think..." as though there is any importance in that. I'd so much rather read a scripture than someone's self-exalted viewpoint.
:huh: Well... I almost always preface what I say with "I think", or "in my opinion" - mostly because I'm a woman and I don't want any of my brothers thinking I'm trying to teach them - God forbid - some don't take that lightly. I don't think you're talking about me, but just want to make sure my words aren't being misunderstood. Because I have the highest regard for the Bible and don't ever want to veer off course into my own feeble understandings - maybe because I really don't have any that are only my own - I try to reinforce the Bible's words on a subject and use a lot of scriptures to bolster my understanding, while allowing that I just may not be seeing the full story in any case.
I think I understand what you mean, Jim - but when I saw that I thought "oh no! I do that!"
We all do seem to see things from different angles and interpret things differently, innocently, from our own life experiences and circumstances. I guess we have to take what YHVH says at His Word's Worth!
I think(there I go again!) we've all seen the results of self-promoters who can make anything seem plausible with a few taken-out-of-context scriptural referrences... :whistle:;)
[edited to remove a brash statement. Forgive me brethren. We're in this thing together, right? Right!]
6 Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life.
If your in the truth then your in Christ because Christ is the truth! Follow him, trust in him and you will know the truth. The truth is Jesus is the only means of salvation, no religion or person can save you. Men can ONLY plant and water, guide or direct people to God. The Watchtower cannot save you or even it's self. That is why the sheep are among wolves and the wheat is within the weeds until the lord comes to separate. The dragnet is full and fishes will be separated.
Either you believe in Christ (the truth) or you don't. If you do, that faith will surely be tested. The seeds of truth are planted in the heart. If you love the lord and believe in him HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN! THAT IS HIS PROMISE! Does not matter if you are doctrinally off or wrong. We get to know the lord from reading God's word not from religion. Religion is the dragnet from which the lord gathers his flock.
Notice that when the lord came the first time the Jews were not doctrinally unified. There was sects of Jewish believers that were even doctrinally opposite of each other! The Pharisees believed in the resurrection and the Sadducees said there is no resurrection. (Matt 22:23) Paul also pointed out that there would become sects of Christianity (1 Cor 11:19)Â For there must also be sects among YOU, that the persons approved may also become manifest among YOU.
So obviously not all approved Christians are going to come from one sect but from several different ones.
willa wrote:
Dear brother Jan -
It's up-setting, I know, to try to understand their explanation. Because doesn't it make sense that Jehovah has already had His say in the pages of our Bibles, and especially in His Son's recorded words? There is no 'waiting' - God has spoken once for all times on this matter of 'truth'! Just think how many times the word 'truth' appears in the Scriptures - then think how many times the phrase 'unity in doctrine' appears....
Quote:
But you have to wait on Jehovah, when he gives new understanding in the Watchtower, then it will be time for new truths.
There is no 'new truth' and 'old truth' or 'present and past truth' with God - His truth is immovable and He has retained the same morals and values from time indefinite. I guess what the elders were repeating is the so-called F&DS' instructions to delay doubt in the F&DS itself... what it is in reality is the so-called F&DS saying 'wait for Jehovah to correct what we got wrong'. Even so - Jehovah has already spoken about every single thing that you're being told to wait on for an answer. It's crazy - but they get you so busy running around in circles that all you get is tired and dizzy!
The WT would rather cling to its web of intricately drawn misconceptions, half-truths and out-right lies to continue in their 'seats of power'. Time has proved their predictions to be wrong. Time and research has proven a good many of their doctrines wrong. They've white-washed it all by revising their own history. They try to make it look as though 'unity' - even if it's uniformity to doctrine and not true unity- is the more important thing. But you and I and billions of others before us have known how highly God regards truth.
If they can keep the sheep in confusion, then the sheep will look to them for answers. They are nothing but hired hands who don't love the sheep - just waiting for the right time to turn them over for slaughter....
hmmm, ok, end of rant
dear sis willa, :hibye: after reading your post here, i couldn't resist digging this old thing out of the archives. ;) this initial post was made by vicky (man hu).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please, please, please put up some of you old poems Isomam.
I remember the Truth Masters, it was so funny. I believe there were 13 'Stanzas'.
Would you kindly reproduce it here for us if you can?
First Stanza.........please supply the rest.
The Dance of the Watchtower "Truth-Masters."
(With absolutely no disrespect intended, for, ... "The Dance of the Wu Li Masters.") ;)
The First Stanza.
Nay! Nay! Forsooth! We have "The Truth"! You only have to ask us.
"Pipeline to God." ... "Exclusive Channel." ... No one would dare un-mask us.
"What is truth?" -- Pilate did ask the perfect Son of God.
We'll be the Ones to tell you that! We are the Governing Bodd!
Now, "Present Truth," it does replace the "Former Truth" of old.
Because, you see, we get, "New Light"! Yes, we say that! We're bold!
We know you did believe the "Former Truth," when it was "true."
And, now, you must reject it. We'll do your thinking for you.
"New Light"? ... "Present Truth"? ... "Old Truth"? ... Hmmmm. ... Let me get this straight.
So, God just can't make up His Mind? That doesn't sound so great.
I had to embrace "Former Truth," and now I must reject it?
Reject it early??? You'll shun me? If you should e'er detect it???
But, now that it is "Truth No More," -- I best not cling unto it???
You are "Truth-Masters" at Watchtower. ... You "Speak It." Then, "Re-Do It."
I want to know what's, "Truth Right Now," and dare not miss a meeting.
If I don't show up for "New Truth," I might just get a beating.
"I am Jehovah. I've not changed." I know the prophet wrote that.
Forgive me, but, it seems to me, someone forgot to note that.
Creator's not confused. Nor, does He EVER change His Mind.
"Truth-Masters" at Watchtower are "Masters" of another kind.
as she said, there are many more stanzas. if you care to read any or all of them, here is the link:
http://www.paradisecafediscussions.net/showthread.php?tid=1314
I think I understand what you mean, Jim - but when I saw that I thought "oh no! I do that!"
No, my dear sister, I certainly wasn't thinking of you.:happyheart:
And Jan my dear brother, we think very much alike.:thumbsup:
Hey Jan!! :clap:
Hows it going brother? :hug:
Personally, "I think..." ;), that Truth is important.
But I dont think that Doctrinal Truth, is important.
IMO, what is important, is what we do, as Christians, as people, as human beings to those around us, to those who need us and those who do not have the power of the Good news in their lives.
Its one thing to line scriptures up for theological purposes.
Its quite another thing to be a Christian.
There are billions of Christians, with large majorities believing different "Doctrinal Truths" -- at the end of the day, it really doesnt matter, IMO.
What does matter -- is what we do with what we know. And if what we know gives power to what we do, then what we know is Truth. If what we know does not give power to what we do -- then what we know, is not Truth.
The parable of the good samaritan shows us, that "true doctrine" alone does not equate to knowing Truth.
Truth is more than Doctrine. It mobilises the heart and mind and allows a person to become something greater than what they are, while at the same time becoming that something greater. And in this, we become entangled with all who embody Truth in Christ's Body.
Cheers! :friends:
cheers to you Beau--truth is involved in knowing who you really are--heart, mind, soul, motivations and intentions and being true to that core You..So many people are living a lie pretending to be what they are not--not knowing who they really are. It isn't easy to get to that truth. One wonders when they stop being their authentic real self and takes on a false identity. (I believe it happens in childhood) I personally (just my opinion) believe we aren't in 'truth' until we know who we really are and who we are meant to be..... :love:
An Excerpt From The Douglas-Walsh Trial.
Q. Is it not vital to speak the truth on religious matters?
A. It certainly is.
Q. Is there in your view room in a religion for a change of interpretation of Holy Writ from time to time?
A. There is every reason for a change in interpretation as we view it, of the Bible. Our view becomes more clear as we see the prophesy fulfilled by time.
Q. You have promulgated -- forgive the word -- false prophesy?
A. We have -- I do not think we have promulgated false prophesy, there have been statements that were erroneous, that is the way I put it, and mistaken.
Q. Is it a most vital consideration in the present situation of the world to know if the prophesy can be interpreted into terms of fact, when Christ's Second Coming was?
A. That is true, and we have always striven to see that we have the truth before we utter it. We go on the very best information we have but we cannot wait until we get perfect, because if we wait until we get perfect we would never be able to speak.
Q. Let us follow that up just a little. It was promulgated as a matter which must be believed by all members of Jehovah's Witnesses that the Lord's Second Coming took place in 1874?
A. I am not familiar with that. You are speaking on a matter that I know nothing of.
Q. You heard Mr. Franz's evidence?
A. I heard Mr. Franz testify, but I am not familiar with what he said on that, I mean the subject matter of what he was talking about, so I cannot answer any more than you can, having heard what he said.
Q. Leave me out of it?
A. That is the source of my information, what I have heard in court.
Q. You have studied the literature of your movement?
A. Yes, but not all of it. I have not studied the seven volumes of "Studies in the Scriptures," and I have not studied this matter that you are mentioning now of 1874. I am not at all familiar with that.
Q. Assume from me that it was promulgated as authoritative by the Society that Christ's Second Coming was in 1874?
A. Taking that assumption as a fact, it is a hypothetical statement.
Q. That was the publication of false prophesy?
A. That was the publication of a false prophesy, it was a false statement or an erroneous statement in fulfillment of a prophesy that was false or erroneous.
Q. And that had to be believed by the whole of Jehovah's Witnesses?
A. Yes, because you must understand we must have unity, we cannot have disunity with a lot of people going every way, an army is supposed to march in step.
Q. You do not believe in the worldly armies, do you?
A. We believe in the Christian Army of God.
Q. Do you believe in the worldly armies?
A. We have nothing to say about that, we do not preach against them, we merely say that the worldly armies, like the nations of the world today, are a part of Satan's Organization, and we do not take part in them, but we do not say the nations cannot have their armies, we do not preach against warfare, we are merely claiming our exemption from it, that is all.
Q. Back to the point now. A false prophesy was promulgated?
A. I agree that.
Q. It had to be accepted by Jehovah's Witnesses?
A. That is correct.
Q. If a member of Jehovah's Witnesses took the view himself that that prophesy was wrong and said so he would be disfellowshipped?
A. Yes, if he said so and kept persisting in creating trouble, because if the whole organization believes one thing, even though it be erroneous and somebody else starts on his own trying to put his ideas across then there is disunity and trouble, there cannot be harmony, there cannot be marching. When a change comes it should come from the proper source, the head of the organization, the governing body, not from the bottom upwards, because everybody would have ideas, and the organization would disintegrate and go in a thousand different directions. Our purpose is to have unity.
Q. Unity at all costs?
A. Unity at all costs, because we believe and are sure that Jehovah God is using our organization, the governing body of our organization to direct it, even though mistakes are made from time to time.
Q. And unity based upon an enforced acceptance of false prophecy?
A. That is conceded to be true.
Q. And the person who expressed his view, as you say, that it was wrong, and was disfellowshipped, would be in breach of the Covenant, if he was baptized?
A. That is correct.
Q. And as you said yesterday expressly, would be worthy of death?
A. I think - - -
Q. Would you say yes or no?
A. I will answer yes, unhesitatingly.
Q. Do you call that religion?
A. It certainly is.
Q. Do you call it Christianity?
A. I certainly do.
Fred Franz, then vice-president of the Society, also answered questions for the attorney for the Ministry of Labor and National Service.
Q. In addition to these regular publications do you prepare and issue a number of theological pamphlets and books from time to time?
A. Yes.
Q. Can you tell me this; are these theological publications and the semi-monthly periodicals used for discussion of statements of doctrine?
A. Yes.
Q. Are these statements of doctrine held to be authoritative within the Society?
A. Yes.
Q. Is their acceptance a matter of choice, or is it obligatory on all those who wish to be and remain members of the Society?
A. It is obligatory.
Q. Did [Pastor Russell] not fix 1874 as some other crucial date?
A. 1874 used to be understood as the date of Jesus' Second Coming spiritually.
Q. Do you say, used to be understood?
A. That is right.
Q. That was issued as a fact which was to be accepted by all who were Jehovah's Witnesses?
A. Yes.
Q. That is no longer now accepted, is it?
A. No.
Q. But it was a calculation which is no longer accepted by the Board of Directors of the Society?
A. That is correct.
Q. So that am I correct, I am just anxious to canvas the position; it became the bounden duty of the Witnesses to accept this miscalculation?
A. Yes.
Q. So that what is published as the truth today by the Society may have to be admitted to be wrong in a few years?
A. We have to wait and see.
Q. And in the meantime the body of Jehovah's Witnesses have been following error?
A. They have been following misconstructions on the Scriptures.
Q. Error?
A. Well, error.
A. These [Watchtower Society] books give an exposition on the whole Scriptures.
Q. But an authoritative exposition?
A. They submit the Bible or the statements that are therein made, and the individual examines the statement and then the Scripture to see that the statement is Scripturally supported.
Q. He what?
A. He examines the Scripture to see whether the statement is supported by the Scripture. As the Apostle says: "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good".
Q. I understood the position to be - do please correct me if I am wrong - that a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses must accept as a true Scripture and interpretation what is given in the books I referred you to?
A. But he does not compulsorily do so, he is given his Christian right of examining the Scriptures to confirm that this is Scripturally sustained.
Q. And if he finds that the Scripture is not sustained by the books, or vice versa, what does he do?
A. The Scripture is there in support of the statement, that is why it is put there.
Q. What does a man do if he finds a disharmony between the Scripture and those books?
A. You will have to produce me a man who does find that, then I can answer, or he will answer.
Q. Did you imply that the individual member has the right of reading the books and the Bible and forming his own view as to the proper interpretation of Holy Writ?
A. He comes - - -
Q. Would you say yes or no, and then qualify?
A. No. Do you want me to qualify now?
Q. Yes, if you wish?
A. The Scripture is there given in support of the statement, and therefore the individual when he looks up the Scripture and thereby verifies the statement, then he comes to the Scriptural view of the matter, Scriptural understanding as it is written in Acts, the seventeenth chapter and the eleventh verse, that the Bereans were more noble than those of Thessalonica in that they received the Word with all readiness, and they searched the Scripture to see whether those things were so, and we instruct to follow that noble course of the Bereans in searching the Scripture to see whether these things were so.
Q. A Witness has no alternative, has he, to accept as authoritative and to be obeyed instructions issued in the "Watchtower" or the "Informant" or "Awake"?
A. He must accept those.
Warm Christian Love
Bangalore
That's pretty clear... and so much for being "in the Truth."
Now, can we all avoid those same pitfalls by being a little less argumentive and dogmatic about our personal beliefs?
That's pretty clear... and so much for being "in the Truth."
Now, can we all avoid those same pitfalls by being a little less argumentive and dogmatic about our personal beliefs?
Hehehe!
One can only try! :friends:
to my brother, bangalore:
as i went to bed last night, i was thinking, 'i hope brother bangalore brings the douglas-walsh transcript in here."
i wake up and -- voila! -- it is already done! :clap:
thank you! :ok:
Beau wrote:
Personally, "I think..." , that Truth is important.
But I dont think that Doctrinal Truth, is important.
IMO, what is important, is what we do, as Christians, as people, as human beings to those around us, to those who need us and those who do not have the power of the Good news in their lives.
Its one thing to line scriptures up for theological purposes.
Its quite another thing to be a Christian.
There are billions of Christians, with large majorities believing different "Doctrinal Truths" -- at the end of the day, it really doesnt matter, IMO.
What does matter -- is what we do with what we know. And if what we know gives power to what we do, then what we know is Truth. If what we know does not give power to what we do -- then what we know, is not Truth.
The parable of the good samaritan shows us, that "true doctrine" alone does not equate to knowing Truth.
Truth is more than Doctrine. It mobilises the heart and mind and allows a person to become something greater than what they are, while at the same time becoming that something greater. And in this, we become entangled with all who embody Truth in Christ's Body.
Cheers!
and ... to my dear brother beau,
there is something i need you to know; something i need to tell you from the bottom of my heart:
if you were my very own biological son, i couldn't be any prouder of you -- your spiritual growth and stature -- than i am. :friends: