We are real

by joelbear 9 Replies latest social current

• 

  joelbear

  As a group, I suspect we are pretty representatives of exJW's. We are a pretty broad spectrum of the

  JW experience. What hit me is how real our posts are. We tend to be pretty honest about ourselves

  and our failings. We take a realistic look at all things we discuss whether witness related or not.

  Its probably a backlash from never being able to say what was really on our minds. I catch my mom

  and dad saying things that they really think sometimes, but always in a low voice. Yes, Jehovah's

  Witnesses have brains and do think, they are not idiots. I suspect many of them think the same things

  we do about a variety of subjects. The difference is that they choose not to speak what is on their

  minds.
• 

  Ellie

  well, I don't know about JWs not saying whats on their minds, I've never noticed that, I've heared a lot of gossiping going on, but then I don't think they do think the same as what we do, any little voice in their head that doesn't agree with what they are being taught is quickly told to be quiet.
• 

  AlmostAtheist

  Fear of knowledge -- either of knowledge we already have, or of acquiring new -- is a terrible thing. I had almost forgotten it, then I experienced it again a few days ago. It was a shock. JW's live in constant fear of knowledge, so they get used to it. Even comfortable with it.

  Control of knowledge is important, too. I remember when we would visit my non-JW parents, Gina would occassionally say something negative about the Watchtower. I would try to put a good spin on it, to keep up appearances, but Gina was much more honest. I look back now and I'm amazed that SHE was the one championing truth, while I was fighting for "the truth".

  Joel, among themselves, when they're " safe", JW's will open up and let slip things that they wouldn't normally. DanTheMan and I were talking once, while we were both still JW's and even he wasn't sure he was leaving. He let me in on some views he was forming of the elders. My "apostate" alert went off and I tried to "help" him. Of course, all I did was confirm for him that he wasn't as safe as he thought he was.

  I agree they think like -- or at least similarly to -- us. But we've taken down most of the filters that keep us from thinking "bad" thoughts.

  Dave
• 

  greendawn

  It is a fact that when your right/freedom, of speech is suppressed you are motivated to make a point of this injustice by speaking out more loudly, after all they always have the chance to come and put forward their viwes and if they don't that's their problem.
• 

  carla

  You may be real as an apostate and MAY have been hurt in some way, but most if not all of your 'stories' are not real, just a bunch of people full of sour grapes who are unable to live up to the standard of jihivi. That's the standard line I get.
• 

  joelbear

  but they don't live up to any standards either. that is just one of the things they don't talk about.
• 

  Confession

  Good point. I agree. The inner-voice constantly reminds the JW...

  "Look, you've got a lot invested in being a JW. You've brought your family in, you've gone out, conducted Bible studies and helped bring others in. You are seen and heard each week, commenting on how firmly you believe this is The Truth. If it's not, you will be found a fool and your whole life may have been wasted. Anything that might ever-so-slightly hint at the organization not being The Truth you should vanquish, lest the thought develop. Proving this thought invalid may not be possible, but if you can say something that shows you are squarely resolved it isn't valid, you can show your confidence in the organization and help influence others in this direction. It will make everyone feel better. "Let the Watchtower Society be true.""

  It occurred to me just recently that I seem presently preoccupied with telling the truth. About anything inside of me. The real truth about what I think and feel. Yes, I did this a bit more than most of my JW comrades while in, but am aware that I played the above mind-game a lot too.
• 

  xjwms

  Sour Grapes?

  I don't think so.

  I think everyone here is very real ... Thanks joelbear, ... good subject.
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  Confession

  xjwms, I think carla was just sharing what the sentiment is among JWs about ex-JWs.
• 

  xjwms

  Confession

  O K thanks

  I was'nt sure.