November 15th Kool-Aid WT about helping those that "stray" to return

by undercover 4 Replies latest jw friends

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  undercover

  The first two study articles in the Kool-Aid version of the November 15th WT are about helping inactive ones to come back to the meetings.

  These articles are cultspeak at its best.

  The second paragraph sets the tone:

  "Sadly, some who seemed to appreciate Jesus' sacrifice and made a dedication to God no longer associate with the Christian congregation. Discouragement, health problems, or other factors may have weakened their zeal and caused them to become inactive. However, only as part of God's flock can they enjoy the serenity and happiness that David spoke of in the 23rd Psalm."

  Notice the word "seemed" in the first sentance quoted..."...some who seemed to appreciate Jesus' sacrifice..." Even though this article is supposed to get the elders and active publishers to help inactive ones, a subliminal message is given right off the bat...they only seemed to be true believers.

  Then comes the guilt and fear message. "Only as part of God's flock can ony enjoy happiness..." So if an active JW wants to stay happy(as if they know what happy is) then they better stick close to the flock themselvse.

  This same sentance sends another subliminal message: That those who have fallen inactive aren't happy. They assume from this message that everyone who is inactive must be misreable.

  And this is only the second paragraph...I haven't even finished reading the articles thoroughly yet and I had to comment on the tone that this trash is taking...
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  abbagail

  heehee, Excellent job Undercover! Maybe only 2 paragraphs but "what keen insight you have" on dissecting the implanted programming code words.
  
  I thought this was telling:
  
  [...]
  Discouragement, health problems, or other factors may have weakened their zeal and caused them to become inactive.
  [...]
  
  It would never cross the mind of the WT writer to include the fact that because active JWs are known to forget about and ignore the "discouraged, those with health problems, and other factors" (they can't count "time" with those types), that their "zeal becomes weakened" due to lack of Christian love and kindness from their brethren.
  
  I also agree with you they don't have a clue that as long as one is connected to the Lord, they do not have to be connected to the "WT flock" to be happy, peaceful, content, etc. AND IN "GOOD STANDING" with GOD! ;-D
  
  /ag
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  undercover

  paragraph 5 of the second article gives closet apostates a chance to out themselves....

  In admonishing elders to listen to the concerns of the inactive one, it recommends that these questions be asked:

  You might tactfully ask them, "Are you happier since you stopped attending meetings? Is your family life better? Is the joy of Jehovah still your stronghold?"

  You can answer truthfully, thus ending the "encouragement" and setting up the judicial committee meeting...or you can lie and then figure out how to continue to lie as you keep trying to keep your apostateness(is that a word?) a secret.

  I think a lot of us inactive ones can expect to see an increase in sheparding calls and nosy JWs calling us to join them for fellowship related to JW activites somehow. I know I've had it happen in the last few weeks. I had a brother invite me to the meeting and then dinner. When I told him I'd meet them at the restuarant after the meeting he made it clear the invitation was only if I came to the meeting. Gee, thanks, pal. I've also gone years without an elder calling and now they're back, stopping by without calling or setting up an appointment, to "encourage" me to come to the meeting the next day.
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  greenhornet

  Are you happier since you stopped attending meetings? Yes very happy! I don't have worry about the backbiting and the gossip.
  
  
  
  
  and they go to college. If I was in the world of JW Brooklyn I wound have to shun my kids just like my parent shunned there kids.
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  jamiebowers

  "Are you happier since you stopped attending meetings? Is your family life better? Is the joy of Jehovah still your stronghold?"

  Well, let' see; I haven't been physically abused or had my life threatened since I left the "truth". Unlike my jw former husband, my current "worldly" husband adores and spoils me beyond belief. He thinks of me before anyone else, even himself We are best friends who raised two decent kids and have a wonderful circle of friends and family. Once I was no longer a jw, I obtained a college degree, got a job that I love, and have been involved in my community and government. My relationship with God and His son, Jesus Christ has never been better. Thanks for asking.