by hillary_step 23 Replies latest jw friends
Amazing,
Thank you for your comments.
I believe that the WTS has major problems with defections, not so much from its 'stock' but from those who commence a study, research and then quit studying. I have heard of growing concerns with this issue.
Kind regards - HS
rem, currently reading 1984
So am I. Re-reading it, that is. Certainly resonates differently now after spending over half my life in a truly Orwellian world than it did back when I first read it in college.
HS, thank you for the bulletin.
-AMNESIAN
Warning the friends about bad associations lurking among the members of one's own congregation! What a wonderful way to foster harmony and a feeling of Christian unity, to have each looking suspiciously askance at the person sitting next to him/her. Isn't the average JW paranoid enough, and now there's no respite for his vigilance so that he/she can't even let down his/her guard even within the sacred walls of the local Kingdumb Hall?
And if one is to limit friendships with the spiritually strong, who will help the weaker and less mature? And what if the spirutal giant you choose for your companion deems you too weak to be worthy of his/her friendship, what then?
Howdy rem & Am,
I've been reading 1984 again too. Read it in 1968, flew right over my head, but always remembered it.
One of the curiousities is that the main character works for the government remaking the take on current affairs, and then changing all the history books, newspapers, etc., to fit the current (New Light) slant.
And the Invisible Enemy at the Gate! Always a terrible monster, "ready to devour" anyone. People disappearing? The Enemy who everyone is taught to hate passionately, although no one has actually ever seen the enemy.
Been a couple of months since I stopped reading it - better get back to it, eh?
waiting
You all make good points, but the "Society" has always been cliquish. You don't realize that until you're not invited to a "For Pioneers Only" get together; or some function for the more zealous ones. There are social disctinctions in the congregation. Elders and MSs and pioneers are looked at differently than others. Some witnesses who went ahead and went to college are also looked down on. This is just another phase of this that was articulated from the podium. It's one of the nice things about being OUT, sorry to say.
LG
Both the Ministry of Truth and Love.
I recommend 1984 wholeheartedly. If you want an eery picture of the Witnesses read it.
Slipnslidemaster:"The average person thinks he isn't."
- Father Larry Lorenzoni
Hilary_Step,
Should we really be surprised at this admonition from the CO when the literature of late proscribes even having private THOUGHTS which are not in line with JW teaching?
Shaking her head sadly,
outnfree
Par dessus toutes choses, soyez bons. La bonte est ce qui ressemble le plus a Dieu et ce qui desarme le plus les hommes -- Lacordaire
HS,
This is not that unusual but it is getting worse and the paranoia is increasing. At one CA in the UK (at the Dudley Assembly Hall), circa 1994 I guess, the CO mentioned bad associates in the circuit and KH during his concluding talk.
Apparently, there were literally hundreds of young JW from all over the area traveling to rave parties and staying out late. He said he "if that is what they want to do they have no place in the Organization and should get out, we don't want you!" (Loud applause)
I take it not only is the WTS having to contend with rave party-going JWs these JWs are reading the Internet and telling all too.
Thirdson
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
Hi Thirdson,
The Internet is the Society's worst nightmare, and it's only in its infancy.
Hi hillary;
Maybe they are making some kind of secret club?
Yakki Da
Kent
I need more BOE letters, KMs and other material. Those who can send it to me - please do! The new section will be interesting!!
Daily News On The Watchtower and the Jehovah's Witnesses:
http://watchtower.observer.org
