Should Ex-JWs Speak Out?

girasole

When it comes to the JWs I used to hold the position, "to each his own." I still do in some respects. I agree that it is most likely futile to try de-convert a die-hard JW. I look at my mother and I know that this would be in most cases unfruitful. She readily buys into each and every admonition from the society and brags endessly about how superior in thought and action the witnesses are and how stupid everyone else is. She does not think critically about any other viewpoints, but instead takes them at face value, knowing what she should accept and what she shouldn't (as she's been trained to do).

My husband (never a witness) has always thought that EXs should band together and shout from their rooftops so to speak - to expose the roots of this manipulative organization - with the thought that it might not work for everyone who is interested in becoming a JW but it might save some. And for those who would never have been interested anyway, it would educate some on why this isn't an organization they or anyone that they know should be a part of.

What do you think? Should we make more of an effort to speak out about some of the things that we're posting about on this board. If you already have, what kind of things have you done? I just read the thread about those distributing KM 37 to local churches so that they can see what the witnesses really think about them. Any other thoughts/ideas?

girasole

hambeak

I feel let sleeping dogs lye. All a lot of it does in my opinion is stir up bad feelings of being mistreated or left out. Yes people need reinforcement and comfort and a listening ear that is not brainwashed. These folks have tunnel vision on a lot of things and no one will convince them otherwise so that's why I feel it is a waste of time.

Ham

fullofdoubtnow

My bf and I already do speak out against the wts, it's us who have been sending the kn 37 tracts out. My bf and 2 of his ex - elder friends are building an infromation website for local ex jws and faders, and it's been getting quite a few hits lately.

I wouldn't say it's the duty of an ex jw to tell the truth about the org, it's entirely up to the individual whether they go public or not. We choose to do that, others may not.

The wanderer

Personally, I believe a movie or documentary would be
the best approach. Otherwise, ex-witnesses would look
like radicals.

Respectfully,

The Wanderer

mama1119

I agree with the Wanderer, if it is to be done, it should be tasteful, like a documentary. Otherwise, we will just look weird. Although, I would like to go on Dr. Phil.

blondie

Actually, there have been many groups over the years who have been speaking out and still are. Using Google reveals how many there are. And there were many groups pre-computer times too. Let's not discount the good work they have done and are still doing.

Because of our JW experience, most of us find it hard to band together again to give our messages of warning re the WTS. Give support to each other, yes.

In the end, it is what people see us doing that influences their thinking more than what we say.

Blondie

BabaYaga

Very good question that we all struggle with, I think. I have just posted a cry for help in suggestions of what to say to my neice who is just now studying.

I think it is part of our walking on eggshells in fear that we will lose even MORE of our loved ones, (those of us who faded successfully and who are blessed enough to have JW family who still openly shows love for us.)

Mostly I believe it to be fear of losing even more.
Secondly I believed, as you do, to each their own, and really fought the tolerence fight.

That was when I didn't really believe they were hurting anybody.

I have lost several loved ones to the assinine and hateful dictates of the WTBTS. The more I learn, the angrier I am. I think I may be becoming more of an activist on the subject. My tolerence is looking more like cowardice in my eyes.

Thirdly, whatever we do, to win our loved ones back, we have to be loving and subtle. Red-faced shouting from rooftops is not going to get them back. Trust me, I'm so angry I think I could... but it is not the way to get brainwashed frightened ones OUT...

Warlock

Only if they're willing to accept a drop in sales of their CD's.

Warlock

jwfacts

The problem with shouting it from the roof tops is it gives the WTS free marketing. The old adage applies "any publicity is good publicity".

Jehovah's Witnesses are basically irrelevant to all but current and EXJWs. 1 Billion hours were spent witnessing last year and the number of publishers only increased by 80,000, including all the kids raised and baptised. Their marketing methods are out of date and do not work, so there is no need assisting them.

On the other hand, subtly speaking to current JWs can work, but only when they are ready to listen. You have to be there for them at the right time. There is no one thing that wakes a JW up, so you have to find out what is important to them individually.

Dansk

When I first joined JWD I wanted to shout out about what the heinous cult does to families and I became a member of the campaign team here. Yes, we used to have a campaign team here!

What happened? Nothing! The thing is many on the team were more experienced than I; they had been out of the Borg longer and had seen it all!

Campaigns have their place, of course, but the ONLY true way of exposing Watchtower is to be happy in your life now! Watchtower is forever spouting off that apostates are bitter and twisted people and I've heard from the P.O. and his wife (a virtual elder in a dress) that those who leave the ~~truth~~ lie are never happy. Well, I've never been happier in my life!

I attended E-man's apostafest BBQ earlier this year, met some fabulous happy fellow apostates and am organising an Aposta Curry for October. Being happy and enjoying life makes a lie of Watchtower's diatribe. JWs who see us happy can't believe it! We're supposed to go around with long faces, but the reverse is true!

I'm glad the likes of Randy Watters and Danny Haszard do what they do, and the wonderful XJWs who hold demonstrations. We all have a place - but the best demonstration of all is be happy in one's life.

Ian

Should Ex-JWs Speak Out?

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