Slim:
IMHO you make some astute observations, and I thank you for your reply.
When Jehovah's Witnesses call their religion "the truth" they are not in error.
I disagree. Likewise I wouldn't call any religion or book "the truth", as I recently commented on in the latest Trinity thread. But I suspect we can agree to disagree.
It constantly surprises me that people like your dad still take the religion seriously.
You're not the only one. He's an intelligent and caring man. I can't help but wonder how much of the investment is tied up in loving [and supporting the decisions of] his parents. If it was good enough for them, its good enough for us, etc. This is a different generation that rarely does things for that reason anymore.
To be frank and to my shame, I never questioned things either, even as an Elder. As you know, I was raised with it and believed it hook, line and sinker. To that end I can only applaud young, free-thinking people who come to realise its a crock without the kind of jolt that kickstarted my own awareness.
It was something like: "should someone with AIDS go to a book study in someone's house?" I thought to myself what on earth is that all about. How is that relevant.
I remember that well, but didn't know about her comments, so thanks for filling me in with that little detail. We had actually taken that lassie to the Hall, for her questions, and it was shortly prior to my realising that I would have to leave the WTS. Some supplementary questions had come out about AIDS, wherein it was suggested that folks with that ailment should go to the Hall Book Study Group rather than a private home. I was especially interested because I took the Hall group, but aside from that it had become de rigeur to ask those questions
It seems he wants to bind his future self into a position where his bodily appearance would prevent him from reversing his decision to leave the Witnesses.
I suspect he would disagree with you as to his reasons, but the psychology of such things is certainly an interesting topic.
And I feel some get a perverse thrill out of seeing him do things they "wish they had the guts to do themselves" or some such silly notion. But that's a bit selfish because he is a real human being out there somewhere with a mother who is crying.
I agree. Human nature is a strange and perverse thing, sometimes, huh?
