Any suggestions on the best way to handle tonight? (page 2)

nomoreguilt

Leave a copy of Crisis of Conscience on the table somewhere, in plain sight........

NMG

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am a little nervous now hope the conversation will not be too stilted.Will take the advice that will just be very friendly and see how the conversation goes. I want them to see we have a life now a very good one with lots of friends outside the org. Will make it a point about how we go away with our friends on holiday etc and go out a lot with them, cos am sure they think as soon as you leave you loose all your friends.

will let you all know how it goes

Cheers

Homerovah the Almighty

If the conversation arises just politely say the believability factor wasn't there any more so you respectively have declined attending

that the core structure of the JWS is too much in commercializing literature and hence the message seems tainted because of that

Being both tactful and respectful is the approach to take and if you like pull some information off the net showing how the founding fathers

of the religion exploited the belief in the bible to sell the merchandise all wrought with bogus predictions....but take it easy on them....good luck

Witness 007

You should all have a Nazi style book burning....when the fire starts to go down, throw a couple of bound volumes in the fireplace...and see what they say.....use a few tracts as napkins during your meal....leave some torn Watchtowers next to the toilet... {the black and white ones were better}

oompa

Definately let the wine flow!! Not only does loosen everyone up, but then if you say something they think is TOTALLY out of line, you can blame the wine. You might could say something about how it bothers you that we shun children when df'd, even family mebers out of the home cant speak to siblings...how could a loving God want families to not speak with each other? I did this last night at a jw friends house and really got things rolling....my buddy agreed that if one of his sons was df'd he would never shun him! He is so close to his sons that I knew he would say that, and he knows I am still tight with my df'd son.............................oompa

sweetface2233

In my opinion, slipnslidemaster gave great advice. First, work on getting them back into your circle of friends, rebuilding your and their trust, and just enjoying their company. Any convos regarding JW beliefs or policies could possibly push them away. Besides, you seem very excited to be getting together w/ your friends. Enjoy your first meal back together w/ convos of what is going on in your lives and maybe play a game like Pictionary, Bolderdash, Scene It, or even Monopoly. For both your sake and theirs, take your time and get to know them again.

FreeWilly

I've been here before. This works well....

Act Reluctant

Let them do the inquiring. When they do, be reluctant to go into detail. Here are some operative phrases:
"We don't want to influence anyone, but as for us, we've learned a few things that we find bothersome."
"I think we know why the Society is paranoid of outside information."
"We don't want to get anyone in trouble with the Society. We know they don't tolerate any critics."

Be uncommitted, concerned yet inquisitive

"We want to make sure we are believing for the right reasons"
"We don't want to take our faith for granted. We know people are capable of being convinced of all sorts of religious ideas."

Sow the seeds of research

"Witnesses are some of the best people we know. But we find ourselves asking if the Truth is simply good people doing the best they can OR is Jehovah in charge."
"We have a hard time beleiving Jehovah has been behind some of the things that have happened over the years."

Don't make statements, ask leading questions

"Have you guys heard about any of the Court settlements?" (regarding JW pedophiles)
"Do you ever think that maybe the Society's version of the "Truth" comes from men?"
"Do you ever think that "New Light" is really just code for human imperfection?"

BFD

I think it's nice that you are re-kindling old friendships. Just the fact that they are coming for your dinner party says a lot. If I were in the situation, I'd ignoe the elephant in the room unless someone brings it up first. Freewilly makes some good suggestions with reagrd to replies to any inquiry.

Most of all just relax, enjoy yourself and have fun.

BFD

myababes

Thanks again guys.

I think what freewilly and ompah says is true, am going to open a few bottles of wine let it flow and then appear reluctant to discuss the reasons why we fell away and let them do the talking. They are both ones for a good gossip so know will get all the inside info as to what is going on at the cong at the moment. any questions I ask about the changes the org have made i will predispose with the words "my bother/sister has told me that"(they are both still in ) and get their views on things.

Anyway am going to start to prepare now so wish me luck.

Mya babes

Any suggestions on the best way to handle tonight?

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