good in jehovah's witnesses

by John Doe 42 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  parakeet

  JD wrote: "If there weren't something positive, no one would ever join."
  
  
  
  
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  yesidid

  I had a reply in mind. Then I read Undercover's post. He said what I thought, only he said it better.

  There definately is good in Jehovah's Witnesses. It is the many kind, sincere, loving, if misguided and

  deceived people.

  I have nothing but contempt for those in HQ who have deceived these fine people. But I do and always

  will, love, those of my family and friends who are deceived as I once was.

  "Forgive them Father for they know not what they do".

  yesidid
• 

  fjtoth
• 

  Cicatrix

  Yes, there were a few sweet ones I remember fondly. They were the ones who were genuinely pleasant and loving, and never took crap from the head honchos:) They were my role models:)Some even had the courage to treat me like a human after I DA'd when they saw me in public.

  I had some good times when I was JW. The sense of community was amazing, before I woke up and realized I was living in Pleasantville, lol. While I don't long to go back (that idea makes me shudder), I can hold onto the memories of the good times I DID have.But the past is the past. I do realize now what motivated me to want to live in Pleasantville in the first place (my reason for getting involved with the JWs when I was a teen-I wanted to live in a 1950s tv land style-black and white, clearly delineated good guys and bad guys kind of world, because the foundation of my childhood had been rocked pretty profoundly just shortly before I met up with the JWs).

  I would say the two very best things I took away from there was my public speaking ability, and an awareness that I should never take freedom of thought for granted. I can develop an outline in no time flat, and give speeches in front of a crowd with no hesitation.It's been a great asset for college.I've also got a better sense of when someone is trying to mold me into something I don't want to be.

  I've got a long way to go on developing true independent humanhood. But I've made some pretty good strides.
• 

  Island Bro

  I agree that there are imperfect people since that is what we are. Nevertheless, the Jehovah's witnesses at least try to make an effort to uphold morals and principles. I guess an effort is worth some commendation. Though i also know others (individuals) that are "in the World" that strive to do the right thing. I would say that the majority of jdubs are nice caring and strong in their convictions (a positive quality).
• 

  Twitch

  It makes me glad to see others who recognize the good in some of the people in the org. I like to see a balanced viewpoint. There is good and bad in everything and everyone.

  They were the ones who were genuinely pleasant and loving, and never took crap from the head honchos:) They were my role models:)Some even had the courage to treat me like a human after I DA'd when they saw me in public.

  I knew a few as well though it was sad the rest of the bunch looked down on them. Few and far between but still enough to make a difference in my life.

  I would say the two very best things I took away from there was my public speaking ability, and an awareness that I should never take freedom of thought for granted. I can develop an outline in no time flat, and give speeches in front of a crowd with no hesitation.It's been a great asset for college.I've also got a better sense of when someone is trying to mold me into something I don't want to be.

  Now's there's a silver lining, lol. Take your skills and tools and use them differently. And never forget what shouldn't be taken for granted. And if anyone tries to tell you what to think or feel or must do, tell them to kiss your ass, lol.

  There definately is good in Jehovah's Witnesses. It is the many kind, sincere, loving, if misguided and deceived people.
  

  I have nothing but contempt for those in HQ who have deceived these fine people. But I do and always

  will, love, those of my family and friends who are deceived as I once was.

  " Forgive them Father for they know not what they do".

  Couldn't agree more. Ironic how the scripture seems to apply more to them than the other way round. .

  She taught me a lesson that in all groups, no matter how much we may scorn them, there are REAL people, people who can be good and kind, in spite of the worst sort of indoctrination.

  Agreed. Strength of character to be admired.

  - Even the very best of them (JWs) would still shun all of us here like we were the proverbial country lavatory!

  I don't delude myself into thinking they wouldn't shun me when push comes to shove, even my parents. That's fine by me; that's their choice and I don't need their approval for anything. It's not a crime to be proud of who and what you are. Everyone has an ego, everyone is proud to some degree whether they admit to it or not (unless you live in a monastery). But tell me something, how many of the billions of the rest of humanity would accept you unconditionally? Do you think everyone out there has your best interest in mind? That there isn't abuse, corruption, deceit and manipulation on a slightly larger scale if only due to numbers? Some would welcome you with open arms only to steal the shirt off your back or worse. Please. This isn't so much a defense of dubdom as it is a reality check that they don't have a monopoly on an abject moral code. But there is freedom and hope out here along with everything else in Pandora's box that goes with it.

  I try to judge each individual JW by their individual merit and how they act toward me and around me. If their a bastard, then I'll try them like a bastard. If they're a decent, well-meaning person, then I'll treat them with respect and kindness.

  Couldn't have said it better. I've lived my life this way since I left and I've no problem making judgements based on who and what I believe is right. I agree with everything else Undercover said. (much respect)

  IMnotsoHO
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  Reefton Jack

  For sure - not everyone of the planet's 6 billion-odd people are prepared to accept you unconditionally.
  However, they are about; contrary to the propganda we were fed while under the influence of the borg.
  
  But with the JWs - not ONE of them is prepared to accept a person unconditionally.
  
  That could be all-right by some, I guess; but it sure as anything you like not all-right by me!
  
  Jack.
• 

  dedpoet

  Some jws I know used to be basically nice people, and may still be.
  Since none of them speak to me now, I have no way of judging
  whether their characters have changed or not.

  As for the watchtower org, I see no good in it's continued existence
  whatsoever.
• 

  passive suicide

  Uhhhmmmm I was married at 25.......still a virgin...................now I'm still with the same woman...........Is that good?...........JUDT KIDDING!!!!!!!!1 there.that's a positive.........I've only been with one girl in 39 years.!!!!!!!!!!!?? uhmm yeahh!.. okay.I'm gonna go rent 'The 40 year old virgin '............:(
• 

  Mariusuk.

  They do the jobs most do not want to do, seriously who wants to be a window cleaner but they need cleaning

  Some are genuinely nice people, misguided people but nice all the same

  ok I am struggling now...........