Sorry, another why question...

by 4mylove 5 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  4mylove

  I just read in another thread that JWs don't usually freely admit they are witnesses. I've seen this done before and wondered why is that? Is this part of the persecution invitation?

  Also, why don't they preach to those closest to them? Why don't they knock on their neighbors, family members, or friends doors? Or has this just been my experience? If they are trying to save as many before the end, why not save those closest to them?

  Sorry for being inexperienced and unknowing in their practices. It just hits home with my inlaws and a very special friend.

  Thanks in advance.

  4
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  Gopher

  For me, having grown up JW, it boils down to this: I sensed people didn't like JW's. It was unpopular, and different.

  So I only admitted to it when asked. Otherwise, I'd rather just keep that fact in the background.

  As far as not wanting to tell your closest neighbors or friends, if they don't already know you're a JW -- why spoil things and risk alienating them by telling them you are one?

  It's easier to go tell strangers about your religious beliefs than to tell those close to you, if you are quite certain people will reject you and/or your beliefs.
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  cognizant dissident

  Yes, it is easier to be rejected by strangers who you don't care about than by those close to you.

  Reason #2: It is also easier to be obnoxiously preachy to strangers than to people you know and like!

  Cog
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  4mylove

  Thanks Gopher.
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  journey-on

  I think sometimes they're just plain embarrassed to admit they belong to a crazy religion. Everybody knows JWs are "different" in their

  take on the Bible and are considered by many to be more of a cult than a religion. It's a bit embarrassing to tell people.
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  Abandoned

  It isn't something conscious so much, in my opinion. Because when I was active, intellectually, I believed I was very proud to be a witness, one of the chosen, the few, the elite. But I would still hesitate in many situations, especially where there were more than one person who would hear me.

  Now, I think it's because of shame. Subconsciously, I think I was ashamed that I didn't have good answers for why I didn't celebrate Christmas or birthdays, why I didn't accept non-military public service, why I didn't give to charities, and so many other issues. I felt that I understood most of these issues well enough, but they were so convolulted and let's face it, petty that I didn't want to have to explain them to any more people than I absolutely had to.