Eloi wrote: ↑Sun May 15, 2022 1:22 pm
POI wrote: ↑Sun May 15, 2022 1:14 pm
Eloi wrote: ↑Sun May 15, 2022 1:05 pm
Jesus required his
direct followers to leave their riches behind...otherwise they would be a hindrance to his campaigns. It was advice to those who went with him, and it showed the balanced view a Christian must have about riches. Jesus was not opposed to honest possessions.
This would mean Jesus changes His "moral standards". Is this what you are saying?
Further, The title of this section reads "The Cost of Being a Disciple", NOT "The Cost of Being a
Direct Disciple"
It doesn't matter what you think, you don't really mind ... Even so: Jesus was a real person, talking to real persons, besides all we, modern Christians, can read in his words.
What he said to the Pharisees was different from what he said to the common Jews, and from what he said to his disciples. Does that mean "he changes his moral standards"? It's a ridiculous conclusion, but it's normal for people who are looking to debate for the sake of debate, and they end up losing their common sense.
*chuckle*
Let's test
common sense, shall we?
Sounds like He was giving the same advice to all who simply inquired, I'm willing to bet the requirements for salvation are the same for the ones who do not ask (i.e.):
(Matt. 19) -- "
16 Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17 “Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, 19 honor your father and mother,’[c] and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’[d]” 20 “All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Giving up possessions, looks to be held in the same company as all other requirements. Sure, you can say 'possessions' only pertained to followers of him physically, while He was alive.... But, this would call into question all the other
requirements expressed....
You, being a "JW" and all, must think this expression is even more-so 'powerful'. Why? You believe there will be some sort of "top tier 144K" and all...
Eloi wrote: ↑Sun May 15, 2022 1:22 pm
This is my final answer to you.
I've read this before...
Eloi wrote: ↑Sun May 15, 2022 1:22 pmI do not have your same motivation when I enter here to analyze biblical matters.
My motivation is to do what the title suggests "debating Christianity". I am analyzing Bible matters. And I find that this topic looks to be in conflict with your beliefs. You wish to 'rationalize away' the topic accordingly, so that you can sleep at night. Whatever gets you through, I guess?
Eloi wrote: ↑Sun May 15, 2022 1:22 pm
1) leaving the riches behind has
nothing to do with "moral standards".
Yes is does.
Eloi wrote: ↑Sun May 15, 2022 1:22 pm
2) We, Jehovah's Witnesses, don't preach any "prosperity gospel".
I did not say you did. But Jesus is against possessions. And you own many of them. What do you plan on doing about it?
ta-ta, for now...
In case anyone is wondering... The avatar quote states the following:
"I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness."