Seeker4: You are right. It is fear of looking at anything that will contradict Watchtower thinking.
Nowfree
Do you think the Elders in your Congregation.....
by JonnieMae 15 Replies latest jw friends
-
-
comment
However, you should also keep in mind that from the point of view of many Witnesses, it's not a matter of coming across *valid information* that they fear could damage their spirituality.
It's more like a fear of ingesting poison (an analogy the Society loves to use). In other words, the information they'd see WOULDN'T be valid, but would still destroy their faith and wreck things for them.
Where that viewpoint falls short is when it becomes apparent that most of the damning information about the Society appears in its own publications, which are mostly readily accessible to anyone who wants to do a little digging.
comment
-
thinkers wife
I can't speak for all elders. But I do know that my father is rabid about the internet. He refuses to have a computer and takes every opportunity to preach to me about the internet and it's dangers.
TW -
patio34
On analysis, it seems there are two major reactions to information re the WTS, as typified (ugh, WT-ese) by two of my sons' reactions to my leaving.
One, the pioneer, said "I don't want to hear about your doubts. I believe in Jehovah and the JWs and that's that."
Two, the thinking one, says more and more. Things like "Well, how reasonable is it that it can't stand up to any investigation?" "If it's the truth, what does it have to hide?"
IMO, the JWs are superstitious about the 'power' of 'apostates.' Once, you hear anything from them, you 'lose the protection of the holy spirit, and demons have access.'
It's embarrassing to admit I was part of that!
"Believers never think and thinkers never believe."
Have a great Sunday!
Pat -
ZazuWitts
If you've read JT's 'shopping cart' post, there's your answer my friends.
They just can't risk losing all their 'possessions' if their cart tips over!
So they continue to hang on, pushing their wobble-wheeled cart up and down the same aisle, over and over...Once you've entertained your first doubt, another is sure to follow, rather like having a shopping cart with two wobbley wheels, it gets even more difficult to push. Same with the internet, allow yourself to have a little look, you might see something that would cause a wheel to wobble, so best to keep your cart intact and avoid tipping it over. That's the way the typical JW thinks, whether elder, or rank-and-file publisher.
And, of course the organization continually reinforces this fear-based thinking with words such as apostate, poison, followers of Satan, haters of the true God, etc.
Once, not too long ago, I was talking with larc's JW sister, and she made a comment that she thought he had left the 'truth' because he couldn't humble himself enough to submit to authority.
When I responded, "No, it was because he read some of Rutherford's books," I could actually hear her 'gasp' over the phone; she then quickly changed the subject. She is past her mid-50's and just won't risk 'tipping her cart.' And, yes, she proudly states she has no interest in the internet, has even turned down offers of a gratis computer.So, with this typical mind-set, I'm just grateful when I do hear of someone who was willing to 'tip their cart' and see the religion for what it really is!
-
WildHorses
I'm not sure. But, if Brother Dale from the Millbrook congragation in Raleigh NC is watching. HI!
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"Eleanor Roosevelt