Crisis of Conscience: POLL

by Grout 51 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Fredhall

  Who is counting Budda Belly?
• 

  Skimmer

  The most interesting thing for me from reading Franz' books was finding out about all the missed Armageddon dates and other dropped, changed, or re-interpreted dates. (1799, 1874, 1878, 1914, 1918, 1925, early 1940s, etc.)

  In the late 1960s/early 1970s, the 1975 prediction for the Big A was far and away the big motivation for converting and for field service. That's the time period in which I was exposed to the WTBTS bullshit and not once in any publication nor from any JW did I hear about any of the earlier Big A prediction failures. Yet the WTBTS elite knew of all these (as we know from Ray Franz), but deliberately hid this information from prospective converts and everyone else.

  And now the WTBTS is doing its best to re-write history about their 1975 prediction. IF it weren't for the Internet, they just might get away with it.
• 

  Makena1

  The Malawi / Mexico thing was a big one for me too. However, the one that hit me the hardest was the way the GB passed decisions on huge decisions that affected people's - blood products, organ transplants, alternative service, what you can be disfellowshipped for this year as opposed to next year, in addition to the doctrinal changes, and dishonesty on reporting the true history of events. The 2/3's majority rule to effect a change showed no real evidence of holy spirit directing decisions. GB members too busy with other paper work to research important issues, high power members influencing the vote of quieter members. What a let down showing how disunited the top level management is!

  Makena

  It is wiser to find out than suppose - Mark Twain
• 

  nytelecom1

  i took it one step further and read
  "why christianity must change or die"

  not impressed by that one either..
• 

  bboyneko

  Ray franz's book helped me tremendously but I did not like his advocation of another religion. It's cool though. It took me a while to get my hands on it. I ordered a special inter-library state loan copy of it, but my mom intercepted the notice the library sends you that your book is ready and she went to the library and destroyed it. (how, i dont know) so i had to buy it from a christian book store.
• 

  Bridgette

  I was surprised by the calloused attitude of the GB. Deep down, even after leaving, I thought to myself, "I think they're hearts are in the right place, even if they are misguided". But come to find out, they are just a cold, greedy, american corporation that uses religion, politics, etc. to further their agenda. They could care less about the R & F. And anybody who does express concern over individuals doesn't last long--they're not being loyal to/waiting on Jehovah.
  That they took very little or no time to go over facts, etc. regarding life devastating decisions: The Malawi/Mexico being a prime example. Then the oral sex being a disfellowshipping offense. I lost all respect for them even as human beings, at that point. They don't give a crap about people. All they care about is peddling their magazines, gathering more real estate, and growing their publishing empire.
  Bridgette
  p.s. I would sincerely be interested in any fallacies the book contained, as well. I will seriously entertain substantiated accusations regarding its lack of authenticity.
• 

  Makena1

  To bboyneko who wrote: Ray franz's book helped me tremendously but I did not like his advocation of another religion.

  I just finished reading part of COC for a second time - I got the complete opposite feeling - that he was NOT advocating any other religion. Instead, promoted personal study, a personal relationship with God and getting together in small groups for fellowship not under the auspices of any organized religion.

  Not trying to make a big deal about this - just want to be sure I did not miss his intent.

  Makena
• 

  bboyneko

  Makena, he was reffering to the christian god.
• 

  FormerOne

  I have to agree that the Mexico/Malawi thing really got my blood boiling. All I could think of was the lives of people in Malawi that were ruined, or in some cases lost, due to the direction of a group of men. Basically, had they lived in a different country, they would have been spared all that grief. INEXCUSABLE!

  I suppose I was also a bit shocked by the way "new light" was arrived at. That basically somebody came up with this new idea, and if the majority of the GB liked it, POOF...NEW LIGHT!

  I came away from reading the book with more of a realization of just how human-directed the organization is, in contrast to its claim to be directed by God.
• 

  Makena1

  Bboy - I think I understand where you are coming from. You would have preferred that he not promote any deity?

  Don't you think however that his credibility (which was shakey at best with the target JW audience) would have been greatly lessened IF he had promoted agnosticism, atheism, deism, paganism, or any other ism? He was not dogmatic on the trinity or other Judeo-Christian concepts.

  I like the way he left it open to develop a relationship with the Creator - whatever name you give him. You are basically free to go wherever "to get your ears tickled". :)

  Makena