SensualMelody said:

Thanks for your response! See everyone, sometimes I can play nice! Now if I can just get that NuPwrSoul person to respond to another one of my posts...

SensualMelody said:

My only thought is what happens when those scriptures begin to let you down? Jehovah will not need to take me up if I can do so for myself. (My belief is that you must learn to rely on yourself for inner sanctuary).

Spirituality is based solely on the belief in one's own mind. Whatever you choose to believe in as truth, your mind will point you in directions to find evidence to support those ideals. This is why I don't think it's truthful to view any religious following as THE truth.

In my opinion, there is no such thing as accurate knowledge, or the everlasting now, but if you find comfort (and hope) in those scriptures, then that becomes a valuable endeavour in learning to rely on oneself. Afterall, it's not actually Jehovah you're choosing to believe in, but rather yourself.

SensualMelody said:

It's your HYPOCRISY, my dear! Your hiding behind the Bible to justify your IDOL WORSHIP of Prince!



We all know you would have failed a LIE DETECTOR TEST on that one! Don't we! That posting you wrote was dripping with it!



Only in your wildest dreams my dear. Only in your wildest dreams! You damn well I'm right on this one, but your not being HONEST with yourself about the matter: YOUR IDOLIZING PRINCE!



A victim of what? You don't know me, or anything about me...These are nothing but useless WORD GAMES you're playing my dear! I'M HIP TO YOU!



Even if he is, that's no reason to violate Bible principle by IDOLIZING the man!-- Oh, I get it! You have been listening to Prince's music all along when you SHOULD'NT HAVE and now that he is ASSOCIATING with JWs--IT IS ALL THE EXCUSE YOU NEED TO COME OUT OF THE WOOD WORK WITH IT!



You sound a little INSECURE HERE by throwing the burden of proof on me. That tactic does'nt work good here, my dear. Try again!



Who are you trying to convince here? ME or YOURSELF?



Why? Are you afraid to look in the mirror at yourself? Oh, I see... You can dish-it-out by arrogantly speaking AT! people about the Bible! But you can't take it when the TABLES ARE TURNED and some else does it to you!



The message was quite CLEAR and you KNOW IT! Otherwise, why bother wasting your time! Right?



We already WE KNOW THAT! You're here because you IDOLIZE AND WORSHIP PRINCE! That's the real reason you're here NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY OR HOW YOU CHOOSE TO WEAVE ALL OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL WORDS TOGETHER! And to say otherwise, you're LYING to yourself!



Sure they did! It got your attention because DEEP DOWN you know it's the TRUTH! YOU ARE GUILTY OF IDOLATRY!



I don't have to know personally know you to pick up things! Sit tight and people tell you everything you want to know about...



Sorry, but I don't give out personal info on the web. Too many shysters around, kid. Sorry...



I know I am! And so do you!

Take it easy, it's not a sin if Senual Melody loves Prince and his music, that's what it's about.I don't think anyone thinks of Prince as a god.

cloud9mission said:

mmm hmmm

SensualMelody said:

respect to you for being one of the lonely few to defend against this ridiculous hatred for the JW folks.

Anji said:

It is sort of like losing a friend. Some of us were attracted to Prince's music and his message, and felt in sync with it. Now that his interests and agenda are departing from our own, its awkward and uncomfortable.

I'm not giving up my standards and beliefs just because they aren't in line with Prince's. And the more I read about JW's practices, the more irritated I am that one of my favorite musicians is adopting this lifestyle. At the same time though, I'm not dragging him by his heels out of Kingdom Hall, I'm just voicing an opinion.

Prince is free as ever to do what he wants.

lovebird said:

Actually, I do. And Prince.org is my temple.
[This message was edited Mon Apr 28 8:49:42 PDT 2003 by ConsciousContact]

When people try to enforce something on others, or push something strongly as the only option, it is usually because their own belief is so fragile that they need it reinforced by others.

VelvetSplash said:

I would agree to a certain extent but that's not always the case. For example, what happens when you think you're genuinely 'right'? Everyone has their two cents worth.

Tom said:

Nicely put, Tom. I haven't found anything uncomfortable yet. I'm actually finding it all quite bizarre and interesting.

lovebird said:

I agree but STOP is trying to prove that Sensual may be acting 'out of convention' here, given her beliefs and her fandom.

STOP believes Sensual idolises Prince, which I don't think is allowed according to JW's teachings. From what Sensual has written on this thread, it doesn't look like she's idolising Prince at all so I can't really understand where STOP is coming from (apart from a pre-conceived bias).

Anji said:

If you're right, you don't need other people's approval, agreement, or acceptance.

VelvetSplash said:

Yes, but if you think you're right, then you will preach what you're right about. That's not about approval, agreement or acceptance. That's about correction, no?

Anji said:[quote]

SensualMelody said:

This "automatic" relationship I spoke of is based on a mutual love for Jehovah God.
It is the same love I have for any one who shares this experience with me.
As I mentioned before, you have to be one to understand the experience.
Although this brotherly love is genuine and heartfelt, I never mentioned absolutes.
As far as sharing in "all" of the person, this is not necessary.
Think of what happens when you meet a person and develop a friendship with him.
You may come to genuinely care for that person. Then someone comes and says
"If you really knew his past, you may not like him." Do you then say, "Tell me all about
his past." or do you take the person as you have come to know him as he is?

you said
Anyone listening to Prince will hear the explicit... it's clear that Prince intended to use sex and profanity (for example, Erotic City, Irresistible Bitch, Sexy M.F. etc) as a means to drive his message through the music. He wanted you to hear what he was saying and there is/was a way of drawing attention to it.

Here is what I am saying
The songs you named above...I have never heard. My Prince collection basically
begins with Rainbow Children. My Witness friends who grew up with Prince music
(as they were generally not JWs until later) share with me what they know I will like.
That's how I came to hear The Ladder. And God Created Woman..etc...I never even
heard The Cross...only "The Christ".
I also bought a Greatest Hits CD which includes Purple Rain and Thieves in the Temple.
Prince's efforts to re-do his songs show clearly that he is now interested in driving a different message
through his music.
The question is...how many can comfortably hear this message?

Now Anji, if you really want to know how the JW doctrine is influencing Prince's decisions,
you need only to obtain a copy of the "Knowledge Book"...
Thus the "Knowledge Room"
This would really clarify
much of what is now being reflected in his lifestyle and his music right now.
Of course this would be for educational purposes only.
Thanks for you questions.
Melody

SensualMelody said:[quote]

Anji said:

To conclude, you started listening to Prince from the Purple Rain era with the likes of When Doves Cry and Purple Rain which you loved, even though you were selective in which specific songs you chose to listen to from the start. You then go on to say that your collection basically begins with The Rainbow Children. On one hand you say it was initially mainly about the music and then you go onto say things like, "So Prince I saw as a pretty performer; a personable entertainer. I like his energy; his dancing ability; his sense of humor." In my opinion, it sounds like you appreciated the man as much as the music but as you stress, in the doses that were agreeable to you. Nowadays his religious beliefs (which coincide with yours), means that it truly is as much about the man, as it is the music. You liken him to your brother.

Even though you don't expect me to fully understand your nowadays 'automatic' connection with Prince unless I myself am a JW, I have understood one thing from your comments: you're only willing to truly connect with others (and accept them as a whole) if they practise the same philosophy as you.

.
[This message was edited Tue Apr 29 8:27:16 PDT 2003 by Anji]

Anji said:[quote]

SensualMelody said:

Although I respect your opinions, your conclusions are incorrect.
Ask NuPwrSoul.
Ask Rio.
Ask Abrazo.
They are here on the site.

You will see that you are as wrong as you can be.
I can and do truly connect with those whose philosophies are different from mine.
Go ahead, ask them.
Melody

.
.
[This message was edited Tue Apr 29 12:38:05 PDT 2003 by SensualMelody]

SensualMelody said:[quote]

Anji said:

Sensual, my conclusion is based solely on what you have written on this thread (in response to my questions). If you say I am wrong to conclude my thoughts about you in this way, it is only because that is the distinct impression you have left me with on this thread. I'm always open to changing my mind but I'll base my opinion about you on what you say for yourself (not others).

SensualMelody said:

so , then why do you feel it is alright to tell people what their experience is, the way that you have in some of the gay threads?

if we can't understand the JW experience, how can you understand the gay experience?

Anji said:

Melody said:
Your conclusions are flawed because you base them on questions about one man.
George benson is a witness, yet I do not automatically listen to his music.
I bought 1 Benson CD in my life.
I bought 2 Larry Graham CDs.
I bought 2 Prince CDs (got some additional ones from club)
I bought 25-30 Luther Vandross CDs.
Luther is the one who is not a witness, but the content of his songs...beautiful.
And his talent...breathtaking!
How do you integrate this data into your findings?

You mean you would not accept testimony from my non-JW friends as to whether I have accepted them as they are.
How is that objective?

But it's ok...think what you want...it's cool.
I know me.
Melody

SensualMelody said:

Sensual, I understand what you're saying and as I said before, I made my conclusions based on what you posted here. To a certain extent, I stand by them but I hear what you are saying.

I've been as objective as I can be regarding your thoughts on this thread. Not following up my conclusions with your friends here is not about objectivity, although I agree it may lead to a less than objective opinion. But then again, I am basing my opinions on what you have told me on this thread. Why talk to them, when I can talk to you?

Flawed as my conclusions may be, that's as close as this thread and I am going to get to you. I never said you didn't know you. All I really concluded was that I am getting to know you and I made my conclusions solely based on what you stated. I also said, my mind was open to change.

"LOVESEXY" or "RAINBOW CHILDREN"?

"GRAFITTI BRIDGE or "EMANCIPATION"?


"JW", "CHRISTIAN" or "JEW"?


GOD is LOVE, LOVE is GOD...

cuz, "...if u're LAST DECEMBER came, what would u do..."


LOVE4OneAnother!

lovebird said:

Wrong! And SenualMelody knows better than this too! It's right in tkhe Bible! Matter of fact, look up idolatry in the dictionary: excessive adoration.

Anji said:

Definately!



There are no pre-conceived BIASES here! Where is all this victim mentality coming from?

SenualMedlody is, by every since of the word IDOLIZING Prince! In all of her posts re-addressing mine, she does not once address the issue of IDOLATRY head on--NOT ONE TIME--but instead MANIPULATES the issue into other directions, thereby EVADING AND AVOIDING issue altogether.

I think SenualMelody is very SLICK! with her stuff and she knows better than this! She knows where the Bible stands on the issue, but uses any excuse to get around that fact, and although she'll never admitt it, she knows I'm telling the truth.

By selecting out recordings and effectively tring to ignore a large part/body of work you are closing your eyes to what has made the man - which is why I have real confusion as to why you (Sensual Melody) then go onto describe what is obviously a deep felt admiration and love for the little guy. He certainly has been bad to the bone - a womaniser obsessed by sex and willing to cross boundaries of taste and decency when it suited him - and fuck whoever is offended by it - that was the whole thing at the beginning of his career and carried on through even to today - just 'cos he may substitute "duck" we all know what he is saying anyhow. I just find it a little condescending for him now to preach to all the peeps who were hooked into all that groove to now throw off what they are to get into God and JW - at least b4 he tried convince peeps by his passion alone - now he is just ramming it downevery1s throats. I am convinced by the way that it is a phase of sorts and he will revert back to somewhere in the middle - who knows?? Religion is the cause of argument and war - lokk at any history or even today. It would all be fine so long as peeps just didn't try to convert every1 all the time. I mean - I am mad into going into the gym and working out - it is a way of life - but I don't go knocking on peoples doors to try to get them to stop eating burgers! Prince is who he was - he cannot and you cannot get away from it. This is of course true of every1 but in his case the world has solid evidence in a small silver or large vinyl disc to prove it.

Sorry - just felt it had 2 b said.

lovebird said:

Anji said

Melody said

:

STOP said

:

Melody said

:

STOP said

:

Melody said: You are funny!

While I have your attention, I have the bible study group in my home every
Tuesday night. My Book study elder has seen the input I have here.
He has seen the enlightenment that we have shared with many
who really did not know anything about JWs. Many have requested literature
and I have been pleased to share through mailings.
He does not agree with your assessment "STOP". I just thought you would be
interested to know that this is not something I do apart from the congregation.
I am also a pioneer minister.
Anyone wanting more information may orgnote me.
Peace
Melody

LoveRobot said:

Hi LoveRobot
I am just replying because you mentioned my name.
I underestand where you are coming from.
I understand how you feel.
I am just not coming from the same place.
I have been a JW for 20 years plus...
I am also a product of my past...but people do change.
There is space enough for all of us...here on earth.
Peace
Melody

SensualMelody said:

so, will you be answering me then? i mentioned u by name 2

SensualMelody said:[quote]
Melody said

:

And you are a [color=red:68e39423a1:693af616ff]SELF-RIGHTOUS PRISS




I don't care what you have. I have known of people in the past through JWs in my family who have done the same thing and where DISFELLOWSHIPED!




There's nothing wrong with sending out liturature to people on the org. But it's probably all you've told him! Which is your only saving grace! But from all of your previous posts I have seen from the past year which this Elder did not see, IT'S MUCH DEEPER THAN THIS! AND YOUR NOT TELLING HIM EVERYTHING!

Obviously, we are NEVER! going to agree on this one and let's leave it at that. I'm quite sure when presenting your case to this Elder, you never bothered mentioning all of the excessive, drolling, down-right nauseating PRAISE and GLORY that you are accustom to giving Prince when you logg onto this site!

You are excessive with your praise of this man at times til I could just VOMIT all over my keyboard! Prince is so this. Prince is so that! Over and over and over again! MAN it's sickening and it's a VERY SUBTLE FORM OF IDOLATRY regardless of anything else you do here. And in your mind, you probably feel this balances everything else out. But I am still convince you SUBTELY IDOLIZE the guy.

But that's where I stand on the issue... Period. And I think as someone who claims to be a christain, you need to be more careful:lol:



Who are you trying to convince here? Me or yourself?

SensualMelody said:

No thankx. I'll get my spirtual fix from more down-to-earth JWs that I know who don't waste their time idolizing some washed-out rock star who'll do anything to draw attention to himself.