Did You Ever Question The Talks At The Hall Or The Assemblies?

by The wanderer 16 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  The wanderer

  Did You Ever Question The Talks At The Hall Or The Assemblies?

  Looking back at having spent years present at meetings and assemblies made me think back
  to the time when I both witnessed and delivered talks. One of the defining moments of why
  I left the organization had to do with how the talks were delivered—it raised a question
  in my mind.

  The Talks At The Kingdom Hall

  Thursday night meetings usually had demonstrations on how we were to deliver door-to-door
  presentations. I could not help but notice that an overwhelming majority presented an un-
  realistic viewpoint of what field service was all about.

  I recall indifference, hostility and contempt from householders,
  but the meetings presented field service through “ rose-colored ”
  glasses.
  
  Does anyone have any thoughts to share about this perspective?

  Respectfully,

  The Wanderer
• 

  Zico

  I thought that too, the Demo always goes perfectly. Why don't they ever slam the door in your face, or ask an unexpected question? Not realistic at all.
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  Mum

  I could write a book on this topic, Wanderer.

  In the late 1970's I remember several talks at assemblies that totally confused me. There was one about elders committing adultery "once a week" (unfortunately, I cannot cite the speaker's name or which assembly) and that this would not have to be a disfellowshipping offense. Then there was a talk at the height of the women's movement that purported to be sympathetic to women and their feelings. Then there was a talk in which we were asked whether we would be faithful if JW's became "just another religion," which I thought would be an impossibility according to what I had been taught.

  The publications were weird at times as well. There was an article about the Jonestown Kool Aid tragedy that encouraged something akin to the dreaded "independent thinking" in order not to become a victim of such a tragedy. Up until then, blind obedience was all that I had understood. Yes, it was confusing!

  Happy to be free, I say that it is a beautiful sight to watch water under the bridge roll away and get lost in the sea.

  Regards,

  SandraC
• 

  The wanderer

  Dear Sandra C (Mum):
  
  Thanks for sharing your thoughts
  on this topic of discussion.
  
  Respectfully,
  
  The Wanderer
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  drew sagan

  Yeah, only once did I see people do a demo that actually ended in the person NOT actually having a positive response.
  
  If they really wanted good practice why not make it a little more challenging?
• 

  LongHairGal

  Rich:

  I always thought the demonstrations and talks at the Thursday night meeting were unrealistic or sappy. Reality at the door was something far different. I also thought that talks at assemblies were not in reality. In particular, I remember one summer DC where a brother gave a talk about going up to people in public places and starting conversations. When I heard what he was saying, I realized that this may not work unless you have the "right" personality and the person is in the "right" mood. You could be risking a punch in the nose or worse.

  LHG
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  Bumble Bee

  The #3 talks given by the sisters were just as unrealistic as the FS presentations. In 5 minutes a question or doubt was raised, a few scriptures were read and everything was all ok at the end of it all.

  BB
• 

  choosing life

  The demonstrations at the sales meetings were much like multilevel marketing meeting. They were to stimulate you to work harder in service. It got to a point where they were nauseating. They were usually given by the same group of people. In my congregation, these blessed ones would try to add something cute or funny to get attention. I began to feel different when everyone was laughing except for me.

  The public talks were set in stone. I felt like I could have given some of the talks myself, after hearing the same old outline over and over.....................

  The #3 talks for the women were a joke. I absolutely hated playing little skits in front of people. If I have something to say, I can say it just fine without performing a skit.
• 

  BizzyBee

  The #3 talks for the women were a joke. I absolutely hated playing little skits in front of people. If I have something to say, I can say it just fine without performing a skit.

  Yes, but then it would be interpreted as a woman 'preaching' or 'instructing' from the platform - and we know that is bad juju! Thus, the charade of the audience 'eavesdropping' on a study.........
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  reneeisorym

  Maybe this is why I got out of the borg -- My talks were always real... rofl. I had people in the audience with a microphone interrupting on purpose .. and I would make us stand up instead of sit down. Then I would make the householder skeptical on purpose .. hahahaha .. mine were fun :)