min
You wouldn't be suggesting that the WT wasn't really the "faithful" and discreet slave.
How Many JWs Are 100% Committed?
by minimus 25 Replies latest jw friends
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Finally-Free
I also agree with Outlaw's estimate of 15-20 percent being hardcore JWs. Many are probably in for the social network. A lot have probably done it for so long that the lifestyle is automatic. They probably haven't even seriously considered exploring other options.
W
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slimboyfat
True enough Mark. I hear there was a time (older people than myself remember) when some Witnesses would not bother with pensions, and if you were open about making such plans you were viewed as a bit weak. That attitude seems to be a thing of the past now, which is quite telling I my opinion.
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JWoods
What is the percentage of full-time pioneers these days? That might be a good % demographic on the issue.
However, we have to remember that in the old days, being a pioneer meant 100 hours per month and they have let that slide.
So you could make the case that even the pioneers are not as committed as in the olden days.
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passwordprotected
True enough Mark. I hear there was a time (older people than myself remember) when some Witnesses would not bother with pensions, and if you were open about making such plans you were viewed as a bit weak. That attitude seems to be a thing of the past now, which is quite telling I my opinion.
I remember hearing a public talk delivered by Philip Jones of Riddrie Congregation wherein he criticised a brother who'd taken a job because of its pension policy. However, this talk was delivered over 20 years ago. I wonder if that brother is already drawing his pension.
Do you remember a time when even having a mortgage was frowned upon and viewed as being materialistic due to you not really believing that the system was about to end. Of course, that was about 30 years ago. Most of those who didn't buy a home are still living in rented property. Those who did buy a home are likely mortgage-free and financially better off.
Oh well.
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minimus
Holding a blood card means not too much. For many JWs, it's not the reality. They don't even think about it.
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leavingwt
Holding a blood card means not too much. For many JWs, it's not the reality. They don't even think about it.
Please apply an "outsider" view to this topic.
To a non-JW, a person carrying a suicide card in their wallet is BIG-TIME SERIOUS about their religion. To the outsider, the number of hours spent in field service, retirement savings or building a bigger house are non-starters.
If an outsider were to ask a JW this question: Will you refuse to give your three-year-old daughter a lifesaving blood transfusion?
Most JWs would respond that they would obey Jehovah.
I just cannot see how baby killers could be viewed as anything other than committed.
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leavingwt
They don't even think about it.
Could this not be taken as an indication of how controlled and committed they really are?
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JWinprotest
Based on the 4 congs that I've been in I'd agree with Outlaw as well....15-20%. Although we do get a lot of flak for having a mortgage. We are just one of two families that own a home everyone else rents or lives with parents.
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leavingwt
Minimus,
Had you asked, "How many JWs are zealous?", then I would agree with everything you've said.
-LWT