by Newborn 10 Replies latest jw friends
Dear All,
I've just read Raymond Franz interesting, revealing and important book. I wonder if anyone of you have met him or talked to him in person? I personally really would have liked to sit down and talk to him. It still leaves you with questions.
Have anyone of you also read his 2nd book, In search of Christian Freedom?
Thanks
/Newborn
I've read both. Actually liked the second one in better.
Spoke to him on the phone a couple of times and e-mailed a few times. He is a humble, special human being.
If you call him (his number is listed on his website), he will often answer the phone himself.
His website:
http://www.commentarypress.com/
Best,
Vinny
Read the 1st book, and got half way thru the 2nd book before my eyes burnt out. Ray's a good man alright. Do a search on this forum, and you'll find lots of people's conversations with him.
Read both
Corresponded via e-mail
Warm friendly man
He and wife have both been ill
Too bad
Given many of us direction
we would not have had otherwise
Both books are hugely important, if for no other reason they show you can have serious issues with WTS teachings and still be a God-fearing Christian.
The fact that his issues with WTS teachings and doctrines came from deep Bible study and research say all you need to know. The fact that his (and Dunlap's) research was rejected by the Governing Body tell you all need to know.
Both books stand up on their own right, for very different reasons. CoC is what is needed when you wake up to the truth about the WTS. It helps you realise you are not alone.
ISoCF is needed for when you realise you need direction. It's a fantastic work, IMO.
IN SEARCH is a very good book. It's not as gripping as the first, but it
nicely explains why many things (like door-to-door preaching) are
misapplications of the scriptures.
I recommend it for those that need to understand better why JW's are wrong.
I read both books back in 1999. Some people say that ISOCF is too long, but I read every word. Couldn't believe how the scales fell off my eyes, as I came to understand the reason for so many things the WT has said and done. I started going to meetings in 1955 and was a very strong witness--read all publications and attended all meetings--pioneered as much as I could.
When I read an Awake article a few years ago announcing that the Mexican brothers could now use their Bibles and sing and pray at their meetings, I remember wondering why we weren't writing letters to their government like we were asked to do for the Malawi brothers. Franz told us why. I wondered why every history book I picked up never gave 607 BC as the date of Jerusalem's fall. Just thought the historians didn't have their facts right. Franz told us why. I wondered why the change in the alternative service. Franz told us why. And much more....
I agree... ISoCF is a very important deprogramming book.. the scales fell off my eyes as I read it too... a must read if you still believe in the bible and hold onto JW tenets....
I read Ray's first book last November. It was really an exhilirating experience to see what exactly went on "behind the curtains" of the Watchtower (at least what took place in the 70's and 80's). I equate it to taking the red pill and finding out just how deep the rabbit hole really goes. It shattered my faith in the WT Organization but since then I've relied more on God and Jesus than ever before.
I highly recommend his second book, too. I'm about halfway through it, and it is some heavy, worthwhile reading. I find it fascinating to read about the actual discussions between all of the GB members.
I wonder if anyone of you have met him or talked to him in person?
Yes. I spent a week-end with he, his wife and about a dozen others in the early 80's at the Gregerson cabin in Guntersville Alabama. We met to discuss our experiences, and form a support system for exiting JWs.
My impression was of a very sincere, humble man. He did not try to take center stage as he could have - he seemed genuinely interested in each of our stories. I will go further and say that he also seemed not only touched but even distressed when we each shared painful parts of our stories. It was as if he realized how much hurt the WTS has inflicted and that he, as part of the GB, bore some responsibility, and therefore guilt, for it.
