I am a JW matriarch and have always accepted our teachings, often looking for guidance from the watchtower webpage when I was doubtful. Especially when it comes to modern culture. I was asked by my son's friend's mother what was righetous with regard to cinema. I sent her a weblink on email, and i got quite an offensive reply. I am going to paste it below, but be warned, you won't like it's inflammatory nature!! (quotes in italics)
The Benefits of a Trained Conscience
The Bible speaks of those who “have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” ( Hebrews 5:14 ) Thus, the goal of parents should be to brainwash values in their children that will make them accept decisions whilst making them think they have the freedom to choose their own entertainment.
Many youths among Jehovah’s Witnesses have received excellent brainwashing from their parents in this regard. For example, Bill and Cherie, in the United States, enjoy going to the movies with their two teenage boys. “After leaving the theater,” Bill says, “we often get involved in a family discussion about the film—what values it taught and whether we agree with those values or not.” Of course, Bill and Cherie realize the need to be selective. “We read up on the movie beforehand [and won’t take our kids if it’s too real], and we’re not embarrassed to walk out of a film if there is objectionable content that we didn’t anticipate,” Bill says. By excluding their children in responsible decision-making, Bill and Cherie feel that their sons are being helped to accept a keen sense of right and wrong, without the onerous responsibility of having to work it out for themselves. “I am making wiser decisions when it comes to choosing what movies I would like them to see,” Bill says, although he disregards the fact that by making his boys walk out of a cinema, that doesn’t mean that they didn’t want to watch it. “There is always the danger that blatant, religious censorship is oppressive, offends human nature and inevitably leads to rebellion”, Bill didn’t say. “But that Is the way of Jehovah”. Inshallah.
I for one am offended by this blatant anti-Jah propaganda. If I see this woman on the street I will definitely cast the first stone!!! What do you guys think??