It is finally out there. My dad has finally faced it. He screamed that I am "Apostate". I am 40 yo, and have been moving this way for years. I have purposely avoided the talk with my parents. I blew up at my dad back in January when all the hubbub was going on about how Matt. 24:14 had been considered fulfilled. He called to tell me the "End" was coming because the WTBS said so. I lost it and told him to quit trying to scare me vack to meetings. I even asked him "Are you calling to tell me the End is coming-AGAIN?" I went on a little tirade and finally he asked if I was done, and I said that I was-finally-and hung up the phone.
I haven't seen them since then. Haven't talked to them since. I was in their town last week, so I thought I would stop by. We did the obligatory small talk. Very uncomfortable. Then pop, who is an elder, gets to the meat. Wants to know what my problems are. He, of course, already knows that deep down I know it is the truth. I disagree. 1st time ever. I tell him that the only thing I need is the bible. He asks what religion is going to bring me to god? "Not a single one. I do not need an organization to tell me how to live my life. I have all the principles right in front of me. I have the bible." I only wish I could have kept my cool.
It got ugly after that. I lost it. I do not yet understand where all of this anger is from. I cannot have a single discussion with anyone on this topic without there being anger on my side. I did not want to talk to my folks about this because I knew it would get ugly. When I started to speak about Russell and Rutherford, he asked "Why? What do they have to do with anything? Are you going to bring up Knorr too ?" I was stunned. He actually does not think that these MEN were influential in his religion. When I dared to call the dubs a religion, he was dumfounded that I would even think of them as a religion. I had forgotten how wrong it is as a dub to refer to the dubs as a religion.
I then said that in 2500 years the bible, except for translation changes, had basically remained the same. But in the history of the dubs, nothing was the same. "What happened dad? Did God change his mind? This is God's voice on earth and he can't keep make up his mind?" I then grabbed the Revelation book and tried to read something from it. At that point he also lost it and started the battle cry for dubs that gives them their arrogance and protection. "YOU ARE AN APOSTATE! YOU ARE AN APOSTATE! YOU HAVE COMMITTED IMMORALITY AND THAT GUILT IS WHY YOU CANNOT ACCEPT THE TRUTH!" He grabbed the book from me and told me to get out. I left. I was so angry and more words passed on my way out, but I don't really remember what was said.
I drove away mad. 2 minutes later I was on my way back. I could not leave it like that. I went back, my mom let me in and I told her that I loved them both and that I did not come to their house to have this discussion. I respected their faith and apologized for being disrespectful in their home. My mom was fine. She got my pop and I had to say it all over again. He was still hot and barely accepted my olive branch. I never backed down about how I feel, I just wanted them to know that no matter what, they were my parents and my anger was not justified. As I walked out the door, I told mhy mom that it was obvious that they would no longer speak with me. she said she would always talk to me-regardless. I then said " Mom, the bible does not teach such a thing. It does not tell us to shun each other for different beliefs. The bible teaches love mom, not hatred." Then I left.
Needless to say, this affected me more than I thought it wpould. What my father chooses to do with the info I have no idea. I do not currently belong to any congo, so it would be difficult to talk to an elder about me. My wife and kids go haphazardly to a hall, but I honestly think he won't do anything. For him, the loss of face by admitting that his son is apostate will probably keep him quiet. As long as I don't make any waves with the rest of the family, then I think I can just be considered inactive. My only concern is the los of friends in a different city if he pursues this any further. I want it both ways.
If people think I go, but am not apostate, then I can still talk to them. Also, it makes it easier on my family. I am still a little stunned about the whole immorality issue. Apparently a person is not able to think on their own unless they have sinned. It is amazing to me that the immediate "out" to excuse my attitude is sin. "He is running from his sin." How transparent is that? Noone will ever leave the dubs if they 1st don't sin. That is probably the most telling and enlightening thing to come out of this. Think about it. It is very similar to what happened to Eve and Adam. They disobey, so suddenly they realize they are naked. I do not believe, therefore I must have sinned. If that is all it took to get my mind right, I would have done it years ago and never stopped. I have a wife and kids. I will not lose them for something so unimportant as immorality. My life is good, why would I risk the loss of it? I already am traveling a tough path caused by my current stand. I am not going to make it that much more difficult.
Anyway, that is my rant. I have got to get to work. I had to get this out. Thanks for the hearing ear. I will check back tonight for any good thoughts.
CCS