Whats Your Level of Maturity? Spiritually That Is.....

AllTimeJeff

On a recent essay I posted here re: Gilead, I made reference to the fact that a "mature" person from the JW/GB point of view is one who accepts without question the teachings of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, whereas "immature" ones question the teachings of the GB. I used this as a reference point concerning the GB's cynical use of the bible. But it seems to have struck a chord. I got many expressions saying that the reference to immature vs mature affected them, because they had to live with the guilt of being an immature JW. I also got many thanks because they were always considered "weak" ones and that never fully left them.

Wow! As high up as I was before I left, I never realized the emotional affect that this GB word manipulation had on so many. But I can look back and clearly see that now.

I just wanted to ask a general question to all who have left or are faders: Does the GB name calling you names like "weak" and "immature" still haunt you? Do these ridiculous ideas that you were a "weak" or "immature" one cause you pain still?

In reality, I think we all know that a strong mature person is one who can deal with the lies that the Governing Body teaches and their propoganda without buckling under. Even if you are handling JW's on your own terms (you resigned or are a fader), then you are way ahead of the curve on Jehovah's Witnesses.

Doubting Bro

Jeff Love your posts. I was always known as "spiritually strong" (in other words, fully assimilated). However, now that I'm a loser x-elder who never comments, it is interesting to see how the folks that once considered me "mature" now consider me "weak". If I actually believed in the JW theology, then yes, it would bother me. Maybe on some level it does because I do feel the need to throw around my knowledge of JW theology when someone says something not in line. However, I know more about the Bible since waking up then I ever did as a loyal JW. So when "friends" suggest that I couldn't "cut-it" as an elder and that I'm somehow deficient, I just laugh it off. Hey, at least I'm not brainwashed by a cult anymore!!

Seeker4

I was definitely considered mature and the brother that was pointed out as a shining example.

I can just imagine how low and pathetic I'm seen as now!

In line with what you wrote, I remember a lifelong friend was talking to my then JW wife, and this poor sister broke down in tears talking about how others had always considered her a weak one in the congregation.

Not a healthy organization.

S4

Elsewhere

5

Mickey mouse

When I think about it now, measuring somebody's spirituality by the number of hours spent knocking on doors or how many meetings they attend is laughable.

I believe our spirituality is strongly linked with how we use our minds and thinking ability. In that sense I think an atheist could well be more spiritually mature than a JW.

BluesBrother

What is "Maturity" in the sense that the WT uses the word?

The Bible defines it : New Living Translation Heb 5.14

"Solid food is for those who are mature, who have trained themselves to recognize the difference between right and wrong and then do what is right."

That is how we always saw it..Someone with experience who could weigh up a situation and see for themselves what was right or wrong. The one who had to ask others , e g "Should I watch that film?" was considered immature and needed help to reason for themselves. It didn't mean someone who always followed every last suggestion in the mags , but rather someone who would reason on matters of conscience, apply it to his own circumstances, consider the needs of others, and make a decision and stick by it.

Being on the liberal side of things we did things and made choices that some others did not always agree with, but that was OK , we could agree to differ, on things that were up to the individual...Of course, you had to know where to draw the line, I guess that is where maturity came in...It had little to do with the hours on a persons report card , some very immature people still spent all their time in service..

sacolton

I would never take it personally, but I was "spiritually weak" as a Jehovah's Witness. Never gave talks. Only put in two hours of field service each month. Wasn't regular to meetings. Hardly commented. Never believed alot of the doctrines they taught.

WTWizard

Take away all the fake things the witlesses use to measure spiritual strength, it becomes extremely simple. The spiritually immature or weak one will seek permission from others before attempting to do anything. A spiritually strong person will act as they see fit, of course making the best reasonably possible decision, without waiting for permission.

tenyearsafter

Jeff, another great topic posting! I was definitely considered spiritually weak or "blocked". I had always been pegged by the BOE as a potential elder, but I always resisted "reaching out" because of the lack of desire internally to do so. I was under relentless pressure to study, pray and participate in field circus on a greater basis so that I could reach my "potential". To make matters worse, I had a wife whose greatest goal in life was to be an elder's wife (or CO's wife!). I never felt weak or immature, but everyone else saw me that way...and those feelings of others were rewarded when I was DF'ed. I have never looked back nor have I ever felt nagging thoughts of spiritual inadequacy.

Honesty

As a JW I was one of the "Go To" brothers.

Now the JW's run as fast as they can away from me.

They must be able to see that demon I carry around on my shoulder.

Whats Your Level of Maturity? Spiritually That Is.....

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