by minimus 26 Replies latest jw friends
Remember, JWs are millenialists. They think TODAY we are living in the end times. Whatever happened centuries ago has nothing to do with Jehovah's day, now!
Then I would say that trying to bring this up with a Witness is a waste of breath, and an even bigger waste of time.
Then I would say that trying to bring this up with a Witness is a waste of breath, and an even bigger waste of time.
Exactly my point, Arthur, hence my suggestion that you offer the guy/gal a beer and forget about discussing topics of faith with robots.
"What part of the feet & toes of iron & clay on the Great Image seen in a vision by Nebuchadnezzar are the Islamic terrorists?"
I have been thinking about this question, and I can't come up with a JW-esqe reply.
Arthur and 144,001, if that should be our attitude, we'd never help any JW get out.
Arthur and 144,001, if that should be our attitude, we'd never help any JW get out. -- Minimus
Minimus,
Based on my lifelong experience with JWs, I believe that many JWs will continue to be JWs even if they are shown conclusive proof that their religion is false. I was there in 1975, and watched them explain away their false prediction of Armageddon with pure BS. The mentally enslaved probably have a subconscious desire to be mentally enslaved, so any rationalization of Watchtower miscues, inconsistencies, hypocrisy, false biblical interpretation, etc., suffices to keep them in. I've even heard "the devil caused certain JWs with authority to become a NGO of the UN."
Rather than argue about nonsense, it seems wiser to get them to relax, have a beer, and see how normal people live. The Watchtower lifestyle is unnatural, and it's possible that exposing the mentally enslaved to the realities of normal life might actually be helpful. Directly attacking their faith will most likely lead to characterization of the opposer as an "apostate" and the immediate affiliation with Satan that occurs in the minds of these people. Subtlety is crucial to making your points with folks that have been brainwashed to believe that any opposing viewpoint is demonic in nature.
I have ongoing casual social relationships with several Jehovah's Witnesses. We do not discuss religion although we occasionally laugh about old times in the congregation. Recently, one of them confided her doubts about her faith of the last 50 years to me. Rather than jump all over the opportunity to preach about all the problems with the Watchtower to her, I merely supported the specific skepticism she was exhibiting. I just got a voice mail from her, and she wants to talk again. I don't think she'll be leaving the org, but she's definitely becoming more moderate about allowing the Watchtower to control her life. We might not be able to cause others to leave, but if they at least become more moderate in their views and lifestyle, I consider that to be a positive thing.
OK, I'll get off the soapbox now.
I would smile politely and say 'Yes, dear!'
Then, I would change the subject. Anything else would be a waste of time..... much like throwing pearls before swine!
Id yawn and say "ahh remember the good old days when we had the IRA? They didnt mess about with shoes and bottles of liquid. They did a proper job in city centres and pubs. Jeez, even the terrorists were better in the 70's. Bring back the little Irish fellas, and bring back 1975 while were at it!"
