The "swagger" of the Organization is gone - or is it my imagination? (page 4)

BonaFide

Good points B the X. I like the Gas running out illustration. Funny I still still use the word "illustrations."

The District Convention, yes I forgot about that. Last year even the Drama wasn't a big deal. It was so far from the Bible it was weird. They take an account and then put all of the Theorcratic modern words in there and try to make it fit. The old days of huge applause and productions is gone. Its all about being loyal and obedient. Looking around, I see fewer and fewer taking notes, I mean, what notes are we going to take? When we were younger there were always new points. Not anymore.

BF

willyloman

B the X: I marked you "Good" on illustrations.

You mentioned 9/11 and the Society's cautious response to the event. I think they hedged because it was so unsettling for them to see what they have so often illustrated in the magazines - real, live pictures of people fleeing from burning/falling buildings. It was as if the WTS had made a movie from one of its old books!

For them, the problem was: The event was not followed by outbreaks of violence in the streets. In fact, on Sept. 12, there was on this entire planet no people more unified than Americans. It was instant solidarity. Except, of course, for the guys across the river in Brooklyn, looking out their windows at the smoke.

The thought must have occurred to them: It wasn't supposed to be like this. People should be turning on each other, mothers ought to be devouring their young.

Which leads to their second thought: What if we're wrong about everything else, too?

Perry

Amen Snowbird! No contradiction.

James 2:

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith , Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Brings back memories how we used to preach works. I have since learned what the work of God is that justifies:

Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. - John 6:28, 29

Praise God we've been liberated from bondage to organizations and futile works.

BTS,

Can you see now what the work of God is and how understanding it supports salvation through faith in Jesus and not works in the sense of good deeds?

sir82

One thing I've noted recently is the tepid applause. After talks at circuit & district assemblies, the clapping is very subdued. Kind of like a golf clap, done out of habit rather than actual appreciation for what was just said.

Heck, I'd wager that well over half of the audience couldn't tell you one main point or even one scripture cited....5 minutes after the talk was over!

RubaDub

Yea, things aren't like they used to be.

You hardly ever see anymore a younger, well-endowed, visiting elder, adjust himself 100 times or more while smiling and giving the public talk.

Rub a Dub

steve2

Fatigue is a great leveller - it brings out the worst in everyone, JWs included. When you're tired, the very last thing you want to do is examine your faith. Bed seems so attractive.

jamiebowers

You can't swagger when you're chest deep in sh!t.

It's funny, cuz it's true.

BonaFide

So has ANYONE out there gone to a meeting lately where the atmosphere was exciting?

I used to think it was just a drudgery in my area, not anymore.

Oh yes, more stuff. At our last C.O. visit, no one signed up to give him lunches. He was upset, he said, "Come on, its just 4 lunches, that's it!"

The elders finally signed up.

BF

restrangled

Does anyone remember the 8 day district conventions? The rooming work...(getting neighbors to house witnesses coming in for the conventions).

They ran from about 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Everyone's family vacations were centered around these spectacular events. Speakers quaked like Baptist ministers, gasps were audible from the crowd. Spontaneous applause was a given. 2 or 3 hour breaks in the middle of the day were spent running to the food areas, there was some great fast food. Also big bags of fresh fruit. Everyone was happy to be there, and plenty of socializing went on. You could sit where you wanted, and save seats. Families would bring coolers of drinks and snacks for during the sessions. Wonderful umbrellas that attatched to seats to shade you from the sun. Does anyone remember the wash and dry packets and the smell of them?

As the day would wear on kids would fall asleep in the heat to the on going drone of speakers. You could drop into bed at night and fall instantly asleep. Anyone could get up at anytime and take a walk. Pretend to go to the bathroom and make a full run around the place. When a new book was introduced everyone made a beeline to go get at least one copy and spent the afternoon reading if they didn't like the talks.

Where my parents got the energy for all this I'll never know. We usually went on vacation afterwards, and because our favorite cousins were in town for the event we all traveled together.

r.

Sunspot

From swagger to stagger! I liked that!

You can see the caliber of WTS defenders that are on different forums desperately attempting to support this wacky and hideous form of religion.

Perry~ I went to your website and enjoyed what I read.

hugs,

Annie

The "swagger" of the Organization is gone - or is it my imagination?

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