Telling your Story—Apostates—Then and Now

by The wanderer 4 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  The wanderer

  Telling your Story—Apostates—Then and Now

  Apostasy an abandoning of what one has believed in, as a faith,
  cause, principles, etc. Webster's New World Dictionary, 1982.

  ---

  Do you recall the Society's point of view regarding apostates?
  Apostates were always doomed to destruction they were
  opposers of truth, in short "son's of destruction."

  Seen at District Assemblies

  On certain occasions it would be noticed that "apostates"
  would be carrying placards and other signs being critical
  of the Watchtower and the Witnesses.

  Crisis of Conscience

  Personally, I recall not being able to read Ray Franz story
  because of the label "apostate" was affixed to it. I recall
  being afraid that it was some kind of demonic book.

  ---

  Your Story regarding "Apostates"

  • Were you an active "apostate" at assemblies?

  • What were your prior views concerning "apostates"?

  • What are your views now?

  Please post any information concerning your
  past and present views of apostates for an
  interesting and lively discussion.

  Respectfully,

  The Wanderer
• 

  fullofdoubtnow

  Were you an active "apostate" at assemblies?

  No never. I wouldn't go anywhere near an assembly site. I'm not certain that those who stand outside assembly venues really achieve much. Even a jw who might be interested in what they have to say would hardly dare approach them for fear of being reported by other jws to the elders.

  What were your prior views concerning "apostates"?

  I believed what the wts said about them, that they were to be avoided as they spoke against the truth.

  What are your views now?

  As I am now viewed as an apostate by the jws, I see why people have published and said things against the wts. It's the wts who are the liars, not the apostates.
• 

  Jerohobobonadad

  • Were you an active "apostate" at assemblies?

  • What were your prior views concerning "apostates"?

  • What are your views now?

  1) I'm far too young for that!

  2) I thought apostates were truly evil people. As a child I used to see them outside the assemblies, but mum and dad would hurry us kids out of the way. I remember seeing the leaflets etc they used to hold up, but was told not to even look at them, so used to look at the floor as we were rushed out of the way. My mental image of an apostate was similar to the 80s books pictures of worldly people - slightly sinister and not to be trusted at all.

  3) I have started to wonder where the picketers are nowadays. I've noot seen them for perhaps 14 odd years. Do they still exist? I now do not have any problem with apostates. I've become extremely interested in other peoples views on religion and life, especially ex-JWs. I sooner chat with an "apostate" than anyone else at the moment.
• 

  Zico

  I use to think those 'apostates' who did protests at Conventions were nutters. I still think they're nutters, but they're friendly nutters, who were trying to help us! :)
  
  If I see them at future Conventions, I'll see if I can give them a subtle wink and smile. I wouldn't be able to get away with anything else of course.
• 

  daystar

  • Were you an active "apostate" at assemblies? - No

  • What were your prior views concerning "apostates"? - Apostates were all evil Satan worshippers. They were liars and only wanted to corrupt me and pull me away from Jehovah.

  • What are your views now? - Evil is obviously relative.