Min what can I say - I am conflicted. Sacolton I don't think they are all about glorifying the organisation. They are really genuine, and there is something about them that people respond to. They are more than just good salespeople. They care about people and think they are really doing good. I don't believe what they are teaching any more, yet I still can't help but admire them. And just a little bit of me wishes I could somehow believe what they believe too. Finally-Free these people are not con-artists, of that I am sure. Sheesh is it not enough that we say they are wrong, do we have to denigrate the motives of all Witnesses too? When apostates on this forum always draw the worst conclusions about Witnesses I think it reflects rather badly on the apostate mentality. I am sure base motivations do drive some Witnesses, but certainly not all. There are many Witnesses who really believe they doing the best by themselves and everyone else in the way they lead their lives and accomplish their ministry. Even though I now find it hard to believe what Witnesses believe I will not belittle them or claim that most of them are not genuine. Sir82 I would tend to agree with you that the bottom line is whether it is the truth or not. On the other hand most people carry around false beliefs with them. Humans have believed all sorts of messed up stuff since the dawn of time. JWs are not odd in that respect. And there is something admirable about the idealism and enthusiasm of some Witnesses, in the midst of a sceptical and disillusioned world. James_Woods you are wrong about this couple they are not on a ego trip. If it were simply and ego trip don't you think they would have tired of it by now. I have seen some Witnesses clearly on such an ego trip and they do not last long. Everyone has an ego to some extent and they are only human, but I really don't see ego as being what drives this couple deep down. For instance he is not the type of elder who only wants to associate with prominent people in the organisation. Quite the opposite in fact. He would rather spend his time on the ministry. This is a contrast to some other elders I have known who only go on the ministry just enough to be "seen" and only want to socialise with fellow elders and higher-ups.
People who make the truth EXCITING!
by slimboyfat 79 Replies latest jw friends
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minimus
Imagine the glory they'd have if they could bring even you, back.
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sacolton
I'll sum it up like this ...
Pro Wrestling has its fans. Most of them know it's fake, but they go because they are entertained. I wager that you just like to be entertained.
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james_woods
I cannot believe that SlimBoyFat actually wrote this:
I would tend to agree with you that the bottom line is whether it is the truth or not. On the other hand most people carry around false beliefs with them. Humans have believed all sorts of messed up stuff since the dawn of time. JWs are not odd in that respect. And there is something admirable about the idealism and enthusiasm of some Witnesses, in the midst of a sceptical and disillusioned world.
This may be one of the most blatent apologies for JWism I have ever heard. "most people carry around a few false beliefs"
Was there also something admirable about the Branch Davidians? I mean, besides the machine guns and the young girl harem? Here is a clue - the reason most of the world is sceptical and disillusioned is precisely because groups like the Jehovah's Witnesses (and your supercharged witness couple) have disillusioned them and made them skeptical.
Aw - well...I guess Armageddon probably was a bad idea way back in 1914, but oh - screw it. I kind of liked being a zombie and I am really really impressed with this evangalista couple...so back to the Kingdom Hall with me!
I am both disgusted and amazed.
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sir82
On the other hand most people carry around false beliefs with them. Humans have believed all sorts of messed up stuff since the dawn of time.
True and true.
However, I would submit that only the deranged continue to believe those falsehoods after they have been proven to be falsehoods.
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BizzyBee
If the message of the Watchtower is exciting to you, you must love watching paint dry.
And there is something admirable about the idealism and enthusiasm of some Witnesses, in the midst of a sceptical and disillusioned world.
Idealism and enthusiasm can be infectious. Lots of people have causes they feel passionate about. People working to save endagered species and the planet have it. So do some students and teachers who are excited about learning. Why not hitch your wagon to something that has at least a chance at success?
Yes, there is a lot of scepticism and disillusionment in this world. The WTS has contributed to a great deal of it.
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Honesty
Hey Slim,
It's not 'the truth'
It has never been 'the truth'
It will never be 'the truth'
You are seeing a glimpse of the 19th century when you look at the super pioneer couple who influenced so many in your area...
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OUTLAW
SBF..I think it would do you good to see them..Your going to have a very different perspective this time around though..I doubt you will feel torn when it`s all done.............
...OUTLAW -
V
Great post slim, Most JWs I know are just waiting for a couple / CO / MTS grad / ex-bethelite, whatever to come along and energize them.
Please, please don't confuse cult-of-personality with faith. Charisma can be applied to anything, and the weak-minded will follow...
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Narkissos
Slim,
Your description reminded me of a few Witness former friends whom I dearly loved, including the family which brought part of my family into the religion (I must have mentioned their story earlier on this forum). They were great people to me and I had every good reason to admire their character. I have not the slightest doubt about their overall sincerity back then.
I have often thought about this topic: obviously the dedicated, kind, caring people among the Witnesses contribute a lot to attracting outsiders and retaining insiders to the JW faith. But they are also making the group really better than it would be without them. That kind of thought is rather heartbreaking when you happen to feel, or know, that you have to leave. Painting everything and everybody in black is more comfortable -- just not true.
...OUTLAW