What Does the Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?

The Bible's Answer

God approves of marriage between a man and won of different races because all races are equal in his sight.  The Bible says: 'God treats everyone on the same basis . . . no matter what race." - Acts 10:34. 35, Good News Translation.

Consider some other Bible principles that bear on racial equality and marriage.

All Races Come From a Common Source

All humans descended from the first man, Adam, and his wife, Eve, whom the Bible calls "the mother of everyone living." (Genesis 3:20) For this reason, the Bible says of God: "He made out of one man every nation of men." (Acts 17:26) Regardless of their race, all humans are part of just one family. What, though, if racial prejudice or class distinctions are strong where you live? 

Wise People 'Consult Together'

While interracial marriage is perfectly acceptable to God, not all people share his view. (Isaiah 55:8, 9)  If you are considering marrying someone of another race, you and your prospective mate should discuss the following: 

* How will you deal with the pressures you might face from your community or family?

* How will you help your children to deal with prejudice?

"Consulting together" in this way  can help you make your marriage a success. - PROVERBS 13:10. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ENOCH - "HE HAD PLEASED GOD WELL"

From the jw.org publications

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - "That Is What Some of You Were"

Those who wanted to become Christians in the first century came from various backgrounds and lifestyles, and some of them made significant lifestyle changes.  For example, the Bible speaks of "those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts," and then it adds: "That is what some of you were." - 1 CORINTHIANS 6:9-11.

In saying "that is what some of you were," does the Bible mean that those who stopped engaging in homosexual acts never again experience any homosexual desires? That could hardly be the case; because the Bible also exhorts: "Keep walking  by spirit and you will carry out no fleshly desire. - GALATIANS 5:16.

Note that the Bible does not say that a Christian will never again experience  an improper desire. Rather, it says that he or she will choose not to carry out that desire.  Christians learn to bring such desires under control, not dwelling on them to the point of acting on them. -  JAMES 1:14, 15.

The Bible thus makes a distinction between inclinations and practices.   (Romans 7:16-25)  A person who has homosexual leanings can control what he allows his mind to dwell on, just as he would control any other wrong desire, including leanings toward anger, adultery, and greed. - 1 CORINTHIANS 9:27; 2 PETER 2:14, 15. 

While Jehovah's Witnesses uphold the moral code set forth in the Bible, they do not force their views on others. Nor do they try to reverse law that protect the human rights of those whose lifestyle differs from theirs.  The message that Jehovah's  Witnesses bear is a positive  one, and they eagerly share it with all who will listen. - ACTS 20:20.

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Interracial Marriage?

From the jw.org publications

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - Conclusion of Is the Bible's View Cruel?

Consider a comparison:  Some experts say that certain behavior  traits, such as aggression, many have biological cause.  The Bible does not specifically comment on the biology of aggression, but it does acknowledge that some people are "prone to anger" and "disposed to rage." (Proverbs 22:24; 29:22) Yet, the Bible also says: "Let go of anger and abandon rage." - PSALM 37:8; Ephesians 4:31. 

Few people would disagree with that advice or say that it is cruel to those who have aggressive tendencies. In fact, even those experts who believe that anger  is rooted in a person's genetic  makeup work hard to help people control such  tendencies.

Jehovah's Witnesses take a similar position toward any conduct that conflicts with Bible standards, sexual acts between two people of the opposite sex who are not married to each other.  In all such cases, the Bible's counsel applies:  "Each one of you should know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not with greedy, uncontrolled sexual passion." - 1 THESSALONIANS 4:4, 5.

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - "That is What Some of You Were"

From the jw.org publications

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - Is the Bible's View Cruel?

What about people who have homosexual inclinations?  Were they born that way?  If so, would it not be cruel to say that it is wrong for them to act on their desires?

The Bible does not comment on the biology of homosexuality, although  it acknowledges that some humans traits are deeply ingrained. Still, the Bible/God says that certain conduct-including homosexual acts-must be shunned if we are to plealse God. -

Some would say that the Bible's position is cruel. But their claim is based on the  premise that we must act on our impulses or that sexual impulses in particular are so important that they should not-even cannot-be controlled.  However, the Bible dignifies humans by stating that they can resist their urges.  Unlike animals, they can choose not to act on their impulses. -

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - Conclusion of Is the Bible's View Cruel?

From the jw.org publications

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - Does the Bible Promote Prejudice?

Still, some people would say that the Bible promotes prejudice against homosexuals and that those who adhere to its moral code are intolerant.  'The Bible was written at a time when people were narrow-minded,'  they claim. 'Today we accept people of all races, nationalities, and sexual preferences.'  To them, rejecting homosexuality is the same as rejecting people of a different skin color.  Is that comparison valid?  No. Why not?

Because  there is a difference between rejecting homosexual conduct and rejecting homosexual people.  The Bible tells Christians to be respectful of all  people.  (1 Peter 2:17) But that does not mean that Christians must accept  all kinds of conduct. 

Consider a comparison: Suppose you view smoking as harmful and even repugnant.  What if you have a workmate who is a smoker?  Would you be considered narrow-minded just because your view of smoking differs from his? Would the fact  that he smokes and you do not smoke automatically mean that you are prejudiced against him?  If your workmate were to demand that you change your view of smoking, would that  not make him narrow-minded and intolerant? 

Jehovah's Witnesses choose to live by the moral code set forth in the Bible. (Also, Jehovah's code)  They do not approve of the actions that the Bible prohibits. But they neither mock nor mistreat people whose practices differ  from their own. 

Note: For one, everyone has a right to their opinion and healthy view. Smoke from cigarettes will get on your clothes and anyone else's clothes near you) For two, to me to not approve of Jehovah's disapproval of people's conduct, is insulting Jehovah. I am with him all the way. I disapprove of bad conduct, and other things that Jehovah disapproves of as well. 

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - The Bible's View Cruel? 

From the jw.org publications

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - What Do Jehovah's Witnesses Believe?

Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the Bible's moral code is the best standard for living, and they choose to abide by that code.  (Isaiah 48:17)  This means that Jehovah's Witnesses reject all sexual misconduct, including homosexuality. (1 Corinthians 6:18) That is the Witnesses' lifestyle choice, and they have a right to it.

At the same time, Jehovah's Witnesses strive to "pursue peace with all people." (Hebrews 12:14) While they reject homosexual acts, Jehovah's Witnesses do not force their view on others, nor do they participate  in homophobic crimes or rejoice when they hear of them.  Jehovah's Witnesses strive to follow the Golden Rule by treating others the way they themselves would like to be treated. - MATTHEW 7:12.

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? - Does the Bible Promote Prejudice?

From the jw.org publications

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? /Part II - What Does the Bible Say?

Which of these statements would you consider to be true?

1. The Bible condemns homosexual acts.

2. The Bible condones homosexual acts.

3. The Bible promotes homophobia (a hatred of or prejudice toward homosexuals. 

Answers:

1. TRUE. The Bible says: "Men who practice homosexuality . . . will not inherit God's Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) The same applies to women. - ROMANS 1:26. 

2. FALSE. The Bible teaches that sex should be engaged only by male and female who are married to each other.  - GENESIS 1:27, 28; PROVERBS 5:18, 19. 

3. FALSE. Although the Bible condemns homosexual acts, it does not encourage prejudice, hate crimes, or any other kind of mistreatment of homosexuals. - ROMANS 12:18.

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuals?/Part II -  What Do the Jehovah's Witnesses Believe?

From the jw.org publications

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?/Part II

GAY marriage is still under debate in many countries.  In the United States, however, in 2015 the Supreme Court declared gay marriage to be legal nationwide. Thereafter, Internet searches on the topic skyrocketed.  One of the most popular questions asked was, "What does the Bible say about gay marriage?" 

The Bible does not specifically comment on legal rights involving marriage between people of the same sex. A more fundamental question is, What does the Bible say about homosexuality? 

Without closely examining the Bible, many people think they know the answer-but their answers are contradictory!  Some say that the Bible is clearly anti-gay. Others claim that the Biblical command to "love your neighbor" supports any and sexual lifestyles. - ROMANS 13:9. 

Note: Duh! The Bible clearly says male and female. What about that don't they get? That should be clear enough for anyone.They only claim that garbage, because they insist on doing what they please-free will, they think that gives them the right to have any sexual activity they want. God's command to "love your neighbor," does not mean that you sleep with your neighbor or whomever you want. It means to love everyone as a sister or a brother, not a sex partner. That is sick thinking. Read the Bible, you will see the truth of all, because they do not preach/teach it in other religions.


Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?/Part II  - What Does the Bible Say?

From the jw.org publications

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? /The Bible's Answer - How to Please God Despite Having Same Sex Urges

The Bible says: "Don't be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of  sex." (Colossians 3:5,  Contemporary English Version)  To kill wrong desires, which lead to wrong actions, you need to control your thinking. If you regularly fill your mind with wholesome thoughts, you can more than readily dismiss wrong desires.  (Philippians 4:8; James 1:14, 15) While you  may struggle greatly at first, it can become easier.  God promises to help you to "be made new in the force actuating your mind."- EPHESIANS 4:22-24.

The same struggle is faced by millions  with heterosexual desires who wish to conform to the Bible's standards. For example, those who are single with little prospect of marriage or who are married to a partner who is unable to function sexually choose to control their sexual urges despite any temptations they might face. They are able to live happily, and those with same-sex urges can do so as well if they truly want to please God. - DEUTERONOMY 30:19.

Note: No offense to the Homosexuals or Heterosexuals, But Jehovah God made man and woman as a couple; Not man with man; nor woman with woman, for a GOOD REASON!! It is sick and unnatural! 

Next time:: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?Part II.

From the jw.org publications 

What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality/ The Bible's Answer

God created humans to engage in sex only within the arrangement of marriage between a male and female. (Genesis 1:27, 28; Leviticus 18:22; Proverbs 5:18, 19) The Bible condemns sexual activity that is not between a husband and wife, whether it is homosexual or heterosexual conduct. (1 Corinthians 6:18) This includes intercourse, fondling another person's genitals, and engaging in oral or anal sex.

While the Bible disapproves of homosexual acts, it does not condone hatred of homosexuals or homophobia.  Instead, Christians are directed to "respect everyone." - 1 PETER 2:17, Good News Translation.

Can a person be born homosexual?

The Bible doesn't comment directly on the biology of homosexual desires, though it acknowledges that we are all born with a tendency to go against what God commands. (Romans 7:21-25)  Rather than focus on the cause of homosexual desires, however, the Bible prohibits homosexual acts. 

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality?/ The Bible's Answer - How to Please God despite having same-sex urges

From the jw.org publications 

Pestilences of the 20th Century - Old Diseases Make a Comeback

Tuberculosis: Over 30 million people are expected to die of tuberculosis during this decade. Because of inefficient treatment of the disease in the past, drug-resistant tuberculosis is now a global threat. Some strains are  presently immune to drugs that once destroyed the bacteria without fail.

Malaria:  This disease afflicts up to 500 million people yearly, killing 2 million.  Control had been hindered by lack of misuse of drugs. As a result, malaria parasites have become resistant to the drugs that one killed them. Complicating the problem is mosquito resistant to insecticides.

Cholera: Cholera kills 120,000 people per year, mostly in Africa, where epidemics have become more widespread and more frequents. Unknown in South America for decades, cholera struck Peru in 1991 and has since spread throughout the continent.

Dengue:  This mosquito-born virus afflicts an estimated 20 million people each year. During 1995,  the worst dengue epidemic in Latin America and the Caribbean in 15 years  struck at least 14 countries there.  Dengue epidemics are increasing because of growing cities, the spread of dengue -carrying mosquitoes, and the mass movement of  infected people.

Diphtheria: Mass immunization programs that began 50 years ago made this disease extremely rare in industrialized countries.  Since 1990, however, diphtheria epidemics have raged 15 countries in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.  Up to 1 in 4 people who contracted the disease died. During the first half of 1995; about 25,000 cases were reported.

Bubonic plague: During 1995, at least 1,400 cases of human plague were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). In the United States and elsewhere, the disease has spread to areas that had been plague free for decades. 

[Credit Line]

Source: WHO

Note: See what I mean about back then? There was no shutting down of businesses, or wearing masks.   This virus going around now is no worse than the ones listed above.  I have been in this wicked system of things/world for 74 years, I have lived through hearing of most of them, especially the ones in the United States.  No masks, no shutting down of businesses. This is a ridiculous thing to do of the politicians. They make plenty of money, so why would they care about anybody else's life. And it won't get any better. I pray Jehovah and Jesus Christ will make their move soon. Since we are living in Revelation now, it should not be too much longer. Amen to that! Because I am sick of this hooplah. You know what I mean.

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Homosexuality? /The Bible's Answer

From the jw.org publications

Pestilences of the 20th Century - Some New Infectious Diseases Since 1976

Where Cases  Year First Appeared

Identified Name of Disease or Were Identified

1976 Legionnaire's disease United States
1976 Cryptosporidosis United States 
1976 Ebola hemorrhagic fever Zaire
1977 Hantaan virus Korea
1980 Hepatitis D (Delta) Italy
1980 Human T-cell lymphotropic virus I Japan
1981 AIDS United States
1982 E.coli 0157:H7 United States
1986 Bovine spongiform encephalopathy United Kingdom
1988 Salmonells entertidis PT4 United Kingdom
1989 Hepatitis C United States
1991 Venesuelan hemorrhagic fever Venezuela
1992 Vibrio cholerae 0139 India
1994 Brazilian hemorrhagic fever Brazil
1994 Human and equine morbillivirus Australia

*Animal cases only 

[Credit Line] Source: WHO

Note: Most if all were epidemics. And yet, there were not shut downs of businesses or the wearing of masks, this was a political thing with the stupid republicans who hate Trump.  Not trying to be a smart aleck, but back when I was younger, they shot who they didn't like in office. I guess they gave that up, because it was too suspicious.  Now they want to hurt the public any way they can to control everyone. This is something for everyone to think about-really  think about. Unless you all are wearing rose-colored glasses. You readers, if you have heard of the radio show: "For the People, you know why I said that. It was back in the late 80's to early 90's. Can't remember the name other than Chuck, I believe

Next time:Pestilences of the 20th Century - Old Diseases Make a  Comeback

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Pestilences in the 20th Century - Antibiotic Resistance

Many infectious diseases are becoming harder to cure because they have become resistant to antibiotics.  This is what happens:  When bacteria infect a person, they constantly multiply, passing on their genetic traits to their offspring.  With the production of each new bacterium, there is a chance  of a mutation-a slight copying error that will give the new bacterium a new trait. The probability that a bacterium will mutate in a way that  makes it resist an antibiotic is extremely small.  But bacteria produced by the billions, sometimes producing generations of offspring in an hour. Thus, the unlikely does happen-every once in a while, a bacterium occurs that  is difficult to kill with an antibiotic.

So when the infect person takes an antibiotic, the non-resistant bacteria are wiped out, and the person probably feels better. However, the resistant bacteria survive. But now they no longer must compete for nutrients and territory with fellow microbes.  They are free to reproduce unchecked.  Since a single bacterium can multiply over  16 million bacteria within a single day, it does not take long before the person again becomes ill.  Now, however, he or she is infected by a strain of bacteria resistant to the drug that was suppose to kill it. These bacteria can also infect other people and  in ti mutate to become resistant to other antibiotics.

States an editorial in the Journal of Archives of Internal Medicine:  "The rapid development of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic resistance to our present theraputic armamentarium makes one wonder not if, but when we will loose this war against the microbial world." 

Next time: Pestilences in the 20th Century - Some New Infectious Diseases Since 1976

From the jw.org publications

Pestilences of the 20th Century - Factors That Favor the Microbe

Who do health experts worry about future disease epidemics?  On reason is the growth of cities.  One hundred years ago, only about 15 percent of the world's population lived in cities. Forecasts estimate, however, that by the year 2010, over half  the world's population will live in urban areas, notably in the megacities of less-developed countries.

Infections agents flourish in densely populated areas. If a city has good housing as well as adequate sewage and water systems and good health care, the risk of epidemics is reduced. But the cities that growing fastest are those in poor countries. Some cities have only one toilet for every 750 or more people. Many urban areas also lack good housing and safe drinking water as well as medical facilities.  Where hundreds of thousands of people live jammed together in squalid conditions, the likelihood of disease transmission is greatly increased.

Does this mean that the epidemics of the future will be limited to overcrowded, poverty-stricken megacities?  The Journal of Internal Medicine answers:  "We must truly understand that pockets of abject poverty, economic  hopelessness, and their consequences provide the most fertile fields to sow infection and overwhelm the technology of the rest of humankind." 

It is not easy to confine disease in one area. Huge numbers of people are on the move. Each day about one million people cross international borders . Each week one million travel between rich  and poor countries. As people move, deadly microbes tag along with them.  The Journal of American Medical Association observes: "An outbreak of disease anywhere must now be perceived as a threat to most countries, and especially those that serve as major hubs of international travel.

Thus, despite the medical advances of the 20th century, pestilences continue to reap a harvest of human  lives, and many for the worst is yet to come.  But what does the Bible say about the future?

Infections disease remains the world's leading cause of death, killing over 50 billion people in 1996 alone.

Next time: Pestilences of the 20th Century - Antibiotics Resistence

From the jw.org publications

Pestilences of the 20th Century - Newly Recognized Diseases

Still other diseases are new comers, only recently identified.  WHO stated recently:  "During the past 20 years, at least 30 new diseases have emerged to threaten the health of hundred of millions of people. For many of these diseases there is no treatment, cure or vaccine and the possibility of preventing or controlling them is limited.

Consider, for example, HIV and AIDS.  Unknown only 15 years or so ago, they now afflict people on every continent. Presently, about 20 million adults are infected with HIV, and more than 4.5 million have developed AIDS.  According to the Human Development Report 1996, AIDS is now the leading cause of death for adults under age 45 in Europe and North America. Worldwide, some 6, 000 people are infected each day-one ever 15 seconds. Projections suggest that the number of AIDS causes will continue to rise steady. By the year 2010, life expectancy, African and Asian nations hit hardest by AIDS is expected to drop to 25 years, according to one U.S. agency. 

Is AIDS a unique, one-of-a-kind, disease, or could epidemic of other diseases emerge to create similar or even worse havoc? WHO answers: "Without doubt, diseases yet unknown but with the potential to be the AIDS of tomorrow lurk in the shadows."

Note: And some people get it through dirty blood  transfusions that are suppose to be checked out and disease free, but are not. And you can believe or not, but the government are the ones who brought it over here to start with from a diseased monkey. The government is corrupt, deceitful, dishonest, greedy, immoral etc., and they are not above doing these hateful things to people.

Next time: Pestilences of the 20th Century - Factors that Favor the Microbe

From the jw.org publications 

Pestilences in the 20th Century - Disease and Poverty

Other diseases relentlessly kill despite the existence of effective weapons to combat them. Consider, for example, spinal meningitis. There are vaccines to prevent meningitis and drugs to cure it.  An outbreak raged in sub-Saharan Africa early in 1996.  You likely heard little about it; yet, it killed more than 15,000 people-mostly poor, mostly children.

Lower respiratory infections, including pneumonia, kill four million people each year, most of them children. Measles kills one million children yearly, and whooping cough a further 355,000. Many of these deaths too could be prevented by inexpensive vaccines.

Some eight thousand children die each day from diarrheic dehydration.  Almost all these deaths could be prevented  by good sanitation or clean drinking water or by the administration of oral rehydration solution. 

Most of these deaths take place in the developing world, where poverty  is abundant. About 800 million people-a sizable part of the world's population-have no access to health care.  Stated the World Health Report 1995. The world's biggest killer and the greatest cause of ill-health and suffering across the globe is listed almost as the end of the International Classification of Diseases. It is given the code 259.5-extreme poverty."

Next time: Pestilences of the 20th Century - Newly Recognized Diseases

From the jw.org publications

Pestilences in the 20th Century - Old Diseases Become More Deadly

One reason for concern is that well-known diseases, once thought conquered are making a comeback in forms more lethal and more difficult to cure. An example  is tuberculosis, a disease one regarded as virtually under control in the developed world. But  tuberculosis did not disappear; It now kills about three million people a year. If control measures  are not improved, about 90 million people are expected to develop the disease during the 1 990's.  Drug resistant tuberculosis is spreading in many countries. 

Another example of a reemerging disease is malaria. Forty years ago doctors had hopes of quickly eradicating malaria. Today the disease kills about two million people every year.  Malaria is epidemic, or always present, in over 90 countries and threatens 40 percent of the world's population.  Mosquitoes that carry the malaria parasites  have come resistant to pesticides, and the parasites themselves have become so resistant to drugs that doctors fear that some strains of malaria may soon be incurable.  There is another disease that has never left.  Cancer,  it may be relaxed and dormant for years after a person has thought they were clean, but I have talked to people who had it and it came back in a vengeance and killed the people or relatives  supposedly clean. 

Next time: Pestilences in the 20th century - Disease and Poverty

From the jw.org publications

Pestilence in the 20th Century

The Black Death of 14th century Europe did not lead to the end of the world, as many were predicting. But what about our time? Do the epidemics and diseases of our day suggest that we are living in what the Bible calls "the last days"? - 2 TIMOTHY 3:1.

'Surely not', you may think. Medical and scientific advancements have done more to help us understand  and fight disease now than at any time in human history. Medical scientists have developed  a wide range of antibiotics and vaccines that cause them.  Improvements in hospital care as well as in water treatment, sanitation, and food preparation have also helped in the battle against infectious diseases.

A few decades ago, many thought that the struggle was nearly over. Smallpox had been eradicated, and other diseases were targeted for eradication. Drugs effectively subdued countless maladies. Health professionals surveyed the future with optimism. Infectious disease would be defeated, conquest would follow conquest. Medical science would prevail.

But it did not prevail. Today infectious diseases remains the world's leading cause of death, killing over 50 million people in 1996 alone.  The optimism of the past is replaced by a growing concern for the future.  The World Health Report  1996, produced by the World Health Organization  (WHO), warns: "Much of the progress achieved in recent decades towards improving human health is now at risk.  We stand on the brink of a global crisis in infectious diseases. No country is safe.

Note: It says in the Bible that will be no cures for any diseases.  They may think they may have, but in all honesty, the only cure we have is Jehovah God when he comes and straightens up and cleans off the wicked garbage and resurrects the good people. 

Next time: Pestilences of the 20th Century - Old Diseases Become More Deadly

From the jw.org  publications

What Does the Bible Say About Blood Transfusions? - The Bible's Answer

The Bible commands that  we not ingest blood. So we should not accept whole blood or its primary components in any form, whether offered  as food or as for a transfusion. Note the following scriptures:

* Genesis 9:4.  God allowed Noah and his family to add animal flesh to their diet after the Flood but commanded them not to eat the blood. God told Noah: "Only flesh with its soul -its blood you must not eat."  This command  applies to all mankind from that time on because we are all descendants of Noah.

* Leviticus 17:14. "You must not eat the blood of any sort of flesh, because the soul of every sort of flesh is its blood. Anyone eating it will cut off."  God viewed the soul, or life, as being in the blood and belonging to him. Although this law was given only to the nation of Israel, it shows how seriously God viewed the law against eating blood.

* Acts 15:20.  "Abstain . . . from blood." God gave Christians the same command that he had given to Noah. History shows that early Christians refused to consume whole blood or even to use it for medical reasons.   

Why Does God Command Us to Abstain From Blood?

There are sound medical reasons to avoid blood transfusions. More important, though, God commands that we abstain from blood because what it represents is sacred to him. - LEVITICUS 17:11; COLOSSIANS 1:20.

Note: We need to do this because he gave us life and he can take away if and any time he wants to and he is the most important Creator, God and Father in heaven and what he wants us to do is more important. He is the big boss, no one else.

Next time:Pestilence in the 20th Century

From the jw.org publications 

What Does It Mean to 'Honor Your Father and Mother'? - Misconceptions About Honoring One's Father and Mother

Misconception:  To honor your father and mother, you must let them control  your marriage.

Fact: The Bible teaches that the marriage bond takes priority over other family members. Genesis 2:24 says: "A man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his wife." (Matthew 19:4, 5) Of course married couples can benefit from the advice of their parents or in-laws.  (Proverbs 23:22) However, a couple may rightly decide to set boundaries limiting the involvement of relatives in their marriage. - MATTHEW 19:6.

Misconception: Your father and mother have ultimate authority. 

Fact: Although God gave parents authority within the family, all human authority has limits-it never overrules God's authority. For instance, when a high court ordered Jesus' disciples to disobey God, they replied: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men." (Acts 5:27-29) Likewise, children obey their parents "in union with the Lord," that is, in all things that do not conflict with God's laws. - EPHESIANS 6:1.

Misconception: Honoring your father and mother require you to follow their religious beliefs.

Fact: The Bible encourages us to test what we are being taught to see whether it is in the truth.  (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) An individual who does so may eventually choose a faith that differs from that of his parents. The Bible mentions a number of faithful  servants of God who did not follow the religion of their parents, including Abraham, Ruth and the apostle Paul.  -JOSHUA 24:2, 14, 15; RUTH 1:15, 16; GALATIANS 1:14-16, 22-24. 

Misconception: To honor your father and mother, you must share in traditional rites  of ancestor worship.

Fact: The Bible says: "It is to Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service." (Luke 4:8)  A person who worships his ancestors is displeasing to God.  Moreover, the Bible teaches that "the dead know nothing at all."  They are not aware of any homage rendered to them; neither can help or harm the living. - ECCLESIASTES 9:5, 10; ISAIAH 8:19. 

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Blood Transfusions? - The Bible's Answer

From the jw.org publications 

What Does it Mean to 'Honor Your Father and Mother'? - The Bible's Answer

'

The commandments to "honor your father and mother" appears often in the Bible.  (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 15:16; Matthew 15:4; Ephesians 76:2, 3) It involves four key actions. 

1. Appreciate them.  You honor your father and mother when you are thankful for all they have done for you. You can show your appreciation by valuing their guidance.  (Proverbs 7:1, 2; 23:26) The Bible encourages you to view your parents as your "glory." that is, to be proud  of them. - PROVERBS 17:6.

2. Accept their authority.  Especially while you are young, you honor your father and mother when you recognize their authority God has given them.  Colossians 3:20 tells young ones: "Be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord."  Even Jesus willingly obeyed his parents. - LUKE 2:51.

3. Treat them with respect.  (Leviticus 19:3; Hebrews 12:9) This often involves what you say and how you say it. True, some parents at times act in ways that make it hard to respect them. Even then, children can honor their  parents by avoiding disrespectful speech and actions.  (Proverbs 30:17)  The Bible teaches that speaking abusively of one's father or mother is a serious offense. - MATTHEW 15:4. 

NOTE: No where in the Bible does it say to start a holiday in honor of them, just what is mentioned here.   The only reason for the holiday is for businesses to make money from it, because that is all they care about.

4. Provide for them. When your parents get old, they may need practical support.  You can honor them by trying your best to make sure that they have what they need. (1 Timothy 5:4, 8)  For instance, shortly before he died, Jesus arranged for the care of his mother. - JOHN 19:25-27.

Next time: What Does It Mean to 'Honor Your Father and Mother'?

From the jw.org publications

Who Is to Blame -You or Your Genes? - We Are Responsible

Trying to pin the entire blame for our misconduct on our genes simply does not work. Rather than helping us to solve or overcome our problems, notes Psychology Today, doing so "may be teaching us a helplessness that is at the root of many of our problems. Instead of reducing the incidence of these problems, this seems to have fueled their growth."

It is true that we must contend with major adverse forces, including our own sinful tendencies and Satan's efforts to distract us from obeying God.  (1 Peter 5:8) It is also true that our genes may influence us in one way or another. But we are surely not helpless. True Christians have powerful allies-Jehovah, Jesus Christ, God's holy spirit, his Word the Bible, and the Christian congregation. - 1 TIMOTHY 6:11, 12; 1 JOHN  2:1.

Before the nation of Israel entered the Promised Land, Moses reminded the people of their responsibility before God, saying: "I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction; and you must choose life in order that  you may keep alive,you and your offspring, by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him." (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20) Likewise today, each responsible individual is obliged  to make a personal decision about serving God and meeting his requirements. The choice is yours. - GALATIANS 6:7, 8. 

Next time: What Does It Mean to 'Honor Your Father and Your Mother'? - The Bible's Answer

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Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes? - An Encouraging Experience

"When I was a young boy in boarding school, I got involved in homosexual practices. although I never thought of myself being a homosexual.  My parents were divorced, and I craved the parental affection that I never received. After finishing school, I did compulsory military service. There was a group of homosexuals in the barracks next to mine. I became envious of their life-style, so I started associating with them. After associating with them for a year, I began to think of myself as a homosexual. 'This is the way I am,' I reasoned,' and I can do nothing about it.'

'I started learning the lingo and going to gay clubs, where drugs and alcohol were freely available. Although outwardly it all seemed exciting and appealing, it was actually sickening.  Deep down I sensed that this kind of relationship was unnatural and had no future.

"In  small town, I came across a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses while the meeting was on, I went in an listened to the talk, which dealt with future Paradise conditions. Afterward I met with some of the Witnesses and was invited to the assembly. I went, and that was a revelation to me-seeing happy families worshiping together.I started to study the Bible with the Witnesses.  

"Although it was a struggle for me, I started to apply what I was learning from the Bible. I was able to break free from all my unclean practices.  After studying for 14 months, I dedicated my life  to Jehovah and was baptized.  For the first time in my life, I had real friends. I have been able to help others learn the truth from the Bible, and I now serve as a ministerial servant in the Christian congregation. Jehovah has truly blessed me."

Next time: Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes? - We Are Responsible

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Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes? - The Root of Mankind's Trouble

As we have seen mankind's problems started when the first human pair sinned.  The result?   While generations of Adam's offspring are not responsible for Adam's sin, they nonetheless are all born into sin, imperfection, and death as their lot in life. The Bible explains: "That is why, just as through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." - ROMANS 5:12.

Man's imperfection puts him at a decided disadvantage.  But that does  not absolve him of all moral responsibility.  The Bible shows that those who put faith in Jehovah's provision for life and conform their lives to God's standards will have his approval.  Out of his loving kindness, Jehovah made a merciful provision to redeem mankind, to buy back, as it were, what Adam had lost. That provision is the ransom sacrifice of his perfect Son, Jesus Christ, who said:  "God loved the world so much that he gave his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." - JOHN 3:16; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:21. 22. 

The apostle Paul expressed his deep appreciation for this provision. He exclaimed: "Miserable man that I am! Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death? Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24. 25) Paul knew that if he succumbed to sin out of weakness, he could ask God's forgiveness on the basis of Jesus Christ.

As in the first century, today many who formerly bad lives or whose situation seemed hopeless have come to an accurate knowledge of Bible  truth, made the necessary changes, and come in line for God's blessing.  The changes they had to make were not easy, and many still have to contend with harmful tendencies. But with God's help, they are able to maintain integrity and find joy in serving him. (Philippians 4:13)  Consider just one example of someone who made drastic changes in order to please God.

Next time:Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes?- An Encouraging Experience

From the jw.org publications

Who Is to Blame -You or Your Genes? - The Evidence Against Biology

For a long time, scientists have been tracking the monumental task of finding genetic causes and cures for human pathology and behavior.  After ten years of work by six teams of researchers, the gene linked to Huntington's disease was isolated, although the researchers have no idea how the genes causes the disease.  However,  reporting  on this research, Scientific American quoted Harvard biologist Evan Balaban, who said that it would be  "almost infinitely harder to discover genes for behavioral  disorders.

In fact, research attempting to specific genes to human behavior has been unsuccessful.  For instance, in Psychology Today, a report on efforts to find genetic causes for depression states: "Epidemiologic data on the major mental illnesses make it clear that they can't be reduced to purely genetic  causes."  The report gives an example: "Americans born  before 1095 had a 1 percent rate of depression by age 75. Among Americans born a half century later, 6 percent become depressed by age 24!"  It thus concludes that only eternal or social factors can bring about such dramatic changes in such a short time. 

What do these and numerous other studies tell us?  While genes play a role in shaping our personalities, there clearly are other  influences.  A major factor is our environment. which has  undergone radical changes in modern times. Concerning what today's youth are exposed to in popular entertainment, the book says Boys Will Be Boys observes that it is unlikely that children will develop sound moral principles when they "grow up watching tens of thousands of hours of TV shows and films in which people are assaulted, shot, stabbed, disemboweled, chopped up, skinned, or dismembered, which children grow up listening to music which glorifies rape, suicide, drugs, alcohol, sex, homosexuality, and bigotry." 

Clearly, Satan,  "the ruler of this world," has shaped an environment that caters to man's baser desires. And who can deny the powerful influence that such an environment exerts on all of us? - JOHN 12:31;  EPHESIANS 6:12; REVELATION 12:9, 12.

Next time: Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes? - The Root of Mankind's Trouble

From the jw.org publications

Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes? - Conclusion of How It All Started

However, our first parents were not left without guidelines.  Rather, they were warned of the consequences of wrongdoing. (Genesis 2:17)  so the evidence indicates that when Adam was faced with a moral decision, he chose to do what to him seemed expedient or advantageous at the time.  He followed his wife in her wrongdoing instead of considering his relationship with his Creator or the long-term affects of his action. He also tried to shift the blame to Jehovah, saying that the wife He had provided misled him. -  GENESIS 3:6, 12;  1 TIMOTHY 2:14. 

 God's response to the sin of Adam and Eve is revealing. He did not try to correct some design flaw' in their genes. Rather, he carried out what he told them would be the consequence of their actions, which led to their eventual death. (Genesis 3:17-19) This early history sheds much light on the nature of human behavior.

Next time: Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes? - The Evidence Against Biology

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Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes? - How It All Started

Most people are familiar with, or at least have heard of, the account about the fall of the human pair, Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden.  Were they made with some intrinsic defect in the genes right from the start, a sort of design flaw that predisposed them to sin and disobedience?  

Their Creator, Jehovah God, whose works are all perfect, proclaimed that his crowning earthly creation was "very good." (Genesis 1:31; Deuteronomy 32:4) As further evidence of his satisfaction with his work, he gave the first couple his blessing and instructed them to be fruitful, to fill the earth with human creatures, and to take charge of his earthly creation-hardly the actions of someone uncertain of his handiwork. - GENESIS 1:28. 

Regarding the creation of the first human pair, the Bible tells us: "God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God's image he created him; and made male and female he created them." (Genesis 1:27)  This does not mean that humans were made to resemble God in physical appearance, for "God is Spirit." (John 4:24) Rather, it means that human creatures were endowed with godly qualities and a sense of morality, a conscience.  (Romans 2:14, 15)  They were also free moral agents, capable of weighing a matter and deciding on the action to take.

Note: Well, I am so sorry, but you could have fooled me. It is very hard to tell now days. No one seems use to  logic, or common sense or knows how to be analytical. From what I have observed also, no one really cares. Oh, they pretend to care, but when it comes down to it, there is no compassion, or respect not for the elderly, or for most people, but especially the elderly. Being old, does not make you stupid, forgetful at times, but not stupid! And like Jehovah God, I am sick of All this wickedness, corruptness, greed, immorality, deceit,dishonesty, disobedience to God and a big lack of faith in God.  If people had the faith they should have, they would not let anyone or the Government to scare them and run over them  because they crave control.

Next time:  Who Is to Blame -You or Your Genes? Conclusion of How It All Started

From the jw.org publications 

Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes?

SCIENTISTS are hard at work to try to find genetic causes for alcoholism, homosexuality, promiscuity, violence, other aberrant behavior, and even for death itself. Would it be a relief  to find that we are not responsible for our actions but are merely victims of biology?  It is human nature to blame someone or something else for our errors.

If the genes are to blame, scientists hold out the possibility of changing them, eliminating undesirable traits through genetic engineering. The  recent success in mapping the entire human genome has given aspirations now impetus.

This scenario, however, is based on the premise that our genetic endowment is, indeed, the villain responsible for all our sins and errors. Have the scientific detectives found enough evidence to make a case against our genes?   Obviously, the answer will profoundly affect how we see ourselves and our future. Before examining the evidence, though, a look at mankind's origin will prove enlightening.

Next time: Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes?

From the jw.org publications

Young People Ask/What About Virginity Pledges? - A Better Approach

Virginity pledge programs have a noble goal. The problem is, they don't necessarily instill the values needed for follow-through.  Many who promise to remain virgins "aren't really internalizing the pledge," says Dr. Rosenbaum.  "Abstinence has to come from an individual conviction rather than participating in a program.

The Bible encourages such individual conviction, not by having a person take a written or oral pledge, but by helping him to "have [his] powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong." (Hebrews 5:14) After all, virginity is not just a matter of avoiding disease and pregnancy; it is a way to show honor to the Creator of marriage. - MATTHEW 5:19; 19:4-6. 

The standards set forth in the Bible are for our good. (Isaiah 48:17)  Indeed, all people-regardless of their age-can develop the strength of character to obey God's commands to "flee from sexual immorality." (1 Corinthians 6:18) When they do marry, they will thus be able to enjoy intimacy fully, without the worries and regrets that are so often the aftermath of premarital sex. 

Next time: Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes?

From the jw.org publications

Young People Ask/What About Virginity Pledges? - Do Virginity Pledges Work?

The answer depends on whom you ask.

*According to researchers Christine C.Kim and Robert Rector, "several studies have found that adolescent virginity pledging was associated with delayed or reduced levels of teen sexual activity.

* According to research published by the Guttmacher Institute, studies indicate that "teens who take virginity pledges are just as likely to have sex than those that do not. 

Why the conflicting results?

* Some studies compare pledgers with non-pledgers who do not share  similar beliefs about sex. 

* Other studies compare pledgers with non-pledgers who share similar beliefs about sex.

What did the latter type of study reveal?  Dr. Janet Rosenbaum, a specialist in adolescent health issues says that after five years, "pledgers and non-pledgers don't differ at all in their sexual behavior." 

Next time: Young People Ask/What About Virginity Pledges? - A Better Approach

From the jw.org publications

Young People Ask/ What About Virginity Pledges?

What is a virginity pledge?

Do virginity pledges work?

A better approach

What is a virginity plege?

A virginity pledge is a written or oral promise to maintain sexual abstinence until marriage.

Virginity pledges became popular in the 1990's when the Southern Baptist Convention in the United States launched "True Love Waits"-a program that combined Biblical values with positive peer pressure to encourage young people to say no to sex before marriage.

A similar program, started soon afterward, featured events where attendees who took the pledge were given a silver ring to symbolize (and remind them of) their no-sex before marriage commitment.

Next time: Young People Ask/What About Virginity Pledges? - Do Virginity Pledges Work?

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Young People Ask . . . Is it Normal to Be a Virgin? - 'Sinning Against One's Body'

By way of contrast, the Bible says at 1 Corinthians 6:18; "He that practices fornication is sinning against his own body." Popular folklore notwithstanding, there is no evidence that abstaining from sex is  physically harmful.  it is indulging that carries physical risks!  A prominent physician says: "Sexually transmitted diseases will continue to increase in incidence  unless effective control strategies can be applied, and the recent increase in incidence has been due, in part to increased levels of sexual activity among young people." - Current Controversies in Marriage and Family.

Promiscuous behavior among youths has also give rise to an epidemic of teen pregnancies. In the United States, half of these  pregnancies are terminated by spontaneous and induced abortions.  Then there is the emotional devastation immoral sex can wreak.  "After he'd gotten what  he'd wanted all along," recalls  young Diana, "he dropped me." Paul's words ring true. Premarital sex is a "sin against one's body.' 

Fornication also 'harms and encroaches upon the rights of others.  (1 Thessalonians  4:6) At the very least, it deprives another of the right to enter marriage in a clean moral state. A future marriage mate is also deprived of his or her right to have a virgin marriage partner.

The book Why Wait Till Marriage? thus makes this sobering observation:  "With your first sex experience, you are not longer a virgin. . . . You can choose only once." Make the right choice!  Do not be conned by the world's propaganda into thinking that something is wrong with you if you hold to Bible standards. Virginity is not strange or abnormal. It is immoral sex that is degrading, humiliating, and harmful. By retaining your virginity, you protect your health, your emotional well-being, and most important of all, your relationship with God.

Next time: Young People Ask -  What About Virginity Pledges?

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Young People Ask . . . Is it Normal to Be a Virgin? - Virginity-God's View

Nevertheless, there is a side to  premarital sex that your peers may not talk about. Maria recalls: "Afterwards I felt embarrassed and ashamed. I hated myself and I hated my hated my boyfriend."  Such experiences are far more typical than most youths admit. Forget the tall tales and exaggerations you may hear from your peers. In reality premarital sex  is often an emotionally painful and humiliating experience with devastating consequences! 

This should not surprise you. For while the world may very well view  premarital sex as healthy and normal, this does not make it right in the eyes of God. Jesus Christ reminds us "what is lofty among men is a disgusting thing God's sight." (Luke 16:15) God has his own standards of acceptable  behavior.  "This is what God wills," the Bible says,  "the sanctifying of you, that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you should know how to get possession of his own vessel in sanctification and honor . . . For God called us, not with allowance for uncleanness, but in connection with sanctification." - THESSALONIANS 4:3-7.

As far as God is concerned, then, virginity in a young women is not only normal but clean and holy!  In ancient Israel, virgin girls enjoy an honorable status. They were protected by the Law from sexual exploitation.  (Deuteronomy 22:19, 28, 29) And virginity continues to be honored among true Christians.  The Christian congregation itself is likened to "a chaste virgin" because of its moral purity. - 2 CORINTHIANS 11:2; REVELATION 21:9.

Nowhere does the Bible urge youths to  view their virginity as a curse.  On the contrary, the apostle Paul said that "if anyone stands settled in his heart . . . to keep his own virginity (by remaining single), he will do well.  Consequently he also that gives his virginity in marriage does well, but he that does not give it in marriage do better."  Paul was not condemning honorable sexual relations in marriage. Rather, he was  showing that a Christian who choose to retain his or her virginity by remaining single would be able to enjoy "constant attendance by the Lord without distraction." - 1 CORINTHIANS 7:25, 33-38.

For a Christian  youth, then, virginity is not a badge of shame but a testimony to one's integrity to God.  Granted, it is not easy to stay chaste; considerable self-control is required.  But the Bible assures us that God's "commandments are not burdensome." (1 John 5:3) The psalmist assures us: "The orders from Jehovah are upright, causing the heart to rejoice: the commandment of Jehovah is clean, making the yes shine." (Psalm 19:8) Following God's ways is always healthy, beneficial. 

Next time: Young People Ask . . . Is It Normal to Be a Virgin? -'Sinning Against One's Body'

From the jw.org publications