I was wondering... the sister I have been studying with and all the JW seem a bit strange.
I mean they tell me a lot of stuff, but make it seem logical... like everything is okay.
For example: Instead of saying one should not have friends with non JWs-- they will say..
that I shouldn't get "too close" to those who do not praise Jehovah
It is just that they put on everything so nice... like they beat around the bush
If you don't follow yet-- it is like they make things seem better than they are, so to speak.
I was wondering DO they intentionally do this? (perhaps to make me want to stay in the ORG)
Or is it something that is impulse? (they really think this way... vs. thinking "every non-JW is the Devil"
truth hidden, or hidden by the truth?
by I-follow-the-narrow-path 8 Replies latest jw friends
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I-follow-the-narrow-path
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OpenFireGlass
DO they intentionally do this? (perhaps to make me want to stay in the ORG)
Or is it something that is impulse? (they really think this way... vs. thinking "every non-JW is the Devil"BOTH... It's an intentional impulse... a.k.a. brainwashing...
,Mike
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misspeaches
I-follow-the-narrow-path - when I used to study with people I would 'sugar coat' certain policies and rules to make them sound less harsh to people. I think a lot of people have done similar.
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jgnat
One of the top sins for a JW is to "Bring reproach on Jehovah's name". This translates in to "Don't make the Organization look bad." I don't think it's intentional, it's gradual. This is how they were indoctrinated, this is how they practice presenting the material several hours a week, and they are intent for you to become just like them.
Like boiling a toad to death. If you do it slowly enough, they won't notice.
So, i-follow-the-narrow-path. What keeps your interest with these fine ladies? Is it morbid curiosity?
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KW13
to be honest Elizabeth, these ones do avoid defining just what they mean or they say it in a funny way because they were taught that way. she probably doesn't even realise that she does and would get upset if you accused her of that.
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I-follow-the-narrow-path
That is a good question... what keeps my interest?
I think a lot of it is that I (always believing in God) have never had a lot of knowledge of the bible. And when someone comes to you, Not me coming to them-- to teach me.. it feels good.
Usually, the reason I do not like religion is because you have to have a go get it additude, but I enjoy someone having that additude with me -
Kenneson
Narrow,
Would you have the same reaction if the Mormons came to you?
Why is someone else's knowledge (interpretation) of the Bible more important than yours? Besides, in "Bible studies" with Jehovah's Witnesses, you will study 90 % of a Watchtower Society publication and 10% of the Bible. Why can't the Holy Spirit teach you what is important to know for your salvation in the Bible? Why do you need another person's explanation (as if they are more directed by God than you)?
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jgnat
I think you are getting a more powerful social studies education than a bible education. You will not get better at studying the bible with these folks. Have you ever heard of the inductive bible study method? You might also enjoy one of the new commentary bibles, fairly inexpensive if you get the paperback.
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AudeSapere
Hi IFTNP -
Or is it something that is impulse? (they really think this way... vs. thinking "every non-JW is the Devil"
It's subtle persuasion. Most don't fully realize what they are saying as they say it. You will hear it phrased in so many ways at the meetings, too. All the time.
If they came out and said "All non-witnesses are following Satan and will be destroyed soon at Armageddon" - would you really keep studying? They try to soften what they really think so as not to scare you away. In reality, JWs have a true 'Us vs Them' mentality.
For now it's presented as 'something to consider.'
Later it will be 'something to watch out for'.
Then 'something to avoid'.
If/When you are a publisher, it will be one measure of your spirituality.
"Bad associations spoil useful habits" will become a mantra for you.
Don't remember if I'd said it before, but Welcome to JWD. It really is a good place to learn and 'be'. Whichever road you choose (you're 17 - you have many choices!), you will find support here. You may be challenged a bit, but you will be supported, too.
I enjoy your posts. Looking forward to more.
Aude Sapere (meaning: Dare to Know; Dare to Have Wisdom/Knowledge)