Recently, I had a discussion with a friend. He said that I need to accept and respect his views. I do accept and respect his views but I do not agree with all of his views. Moreover, acceptance and respect must be mutual.
Unfortunately, different views do not seem acceptable to Jehovah Witnesses. My views did not even contradict his JW views. I just told him that Jesus was a Sumerian, like Noah, Abraham, Solomon, and David.
His only – though relevant and valid – question to me was: who are/were the Sumerians? Actually, his question is a scientific mystery although they invented nearly everything (eg, agriculture, geometry, mathematics, time).
Probably, Sumerian research by JW would jeopardise many of their biblical philosophies (eg, black-headed, billionaires, cosmonauts, eṭemmu vs zaqīqu (spirit vs soul), Tower of Babel, ziggurats).
Hence, closed mindedness is their solution. My friend’s invitation to join the local JW bible club would – probably – only raise my anger because of my open-mindedness. Also see my Terry Pratchett quote below.
Once, my mother (91) told me that JW are dangerous and that I should avoid them. She meant that once JW get their claws into you, they will never let you go. The Google AI Overview largely agrees with her views:
Jehovah’s Witnesses are generally recognized as a peaceful, pacifist religious group, and individual members do not pose a physical threat. However, the organization’s high-control practices and strict doctrines—such as prohibitions on blood transfusions and strict shunning of former members—have drawn significant criticism and are considered dangerous by mental health professionals and former members. (eg, ABC)
I accept my friend but I never accept the JW preaching at my door, despite my open-mindedness.
“The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.”
A quote by Terry Pratchett (1948-2015), an English author, humorist, and satirist
Use Somebody (2008) by Kings Of Leon
band, lyrics, video, Wiki-band, Wiki-song
Note: all markings (bold, italic, underlining) by LO unless in quotes or stated otherwise
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