Every year I think about this and I believe every year the percent goes up but it is hard to know what the number is because any doubting JW lives in fear of being found out. They know how their lives would be permanently changed if they openly stated that they just couldn't believe it anymore. I think there could be Kingdom Halls were 50% of the people attending don't believe they have the truth but think they are the only one that feels that way because every other doubter is doing the same thing they are doing. Faking it! Going out in service faking it. Commenting at the meetings faking it. Giving talks faking it ............
JWs who don't believe they have the truth. What percent?
by I quit! 22 Replies latest jw friends
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blondie
I don't think that they believe that it is all false...they are selective in what they choose to ignore. There are many believing jws that are df'd or inactive.
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daniel-p
Doubt always prevails in the end. I'ts one of the laws of the universe, just like the void of space.
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startingovernow
Well, based on what I've seen, not many doubt it is the truth. Since I've been out, I've tried to find those that always seemed the most miserable while in, figuring that by now they are out. Surprise, surprise, most are still in - with no indication that they have any doubts at all! Of the few that are out, not many have actually examined doctrine to see whether or not it was the truth. Some actually still believe that it is the closest to the true religion as can be but for whatever reason have just decided it's not for them anymore.
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AK - Jeff
Based on the number of people here - and places like this one online - there is likely a burgeoning number of closet doubters inside. Like everything else, much of that doubt is slowly building for some, quickly rising for others.
I don't think the notion of 'truth' is quickly dispelled for most Jw's though. It is so deeply ingrained, that I don't believe they translate the questions and concerns [like lack of real charity or real brotherly love] into a reason to investigate. Still, there is a growing tendency in some places to accept less readily, I suppose. But that may take decades to move any to action.
I do believe that one or two active apostates in the area, keep the boil festered for some - the reminder that someone left for bigger reasons than seeking to depantz a hottie down at the bar, might allow some to slowly think. In my case, I was always known as "Mr Truth" here. Surely someone must be wondering [even if only in the very deepest recesses of their mind] why I left. Many of my wife's non-JW friends are completely baffled to find out that I did - they can't fathom it. Surely some insiders have the same wonder.
I would guess that overall though - far less than 10% of Jw's give even a single thought to the matter. They have the 'troof' and they don't ever question it.
Jeff
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PSacramento
I think that percentage maybe equal with other denominations, not everyone believes in every doctrine of their chosen faith.
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steve2
Never underestimate the human capacity to endure a less-than-perfect situation. In ordinary everyday life people often settle for far less than they are capable of achieving. Take unhappy marriages: Bedevilled by dissatisfaction and doubt, people stick to a marriage for several reasons; the main ones are 1)beliefs that leaving the marriage won't help and may even make the situation worse (a realistic fear, I'd suggest) and 2) absence of a clear vision about acceptable alternatives.
It's the same with employment dissatisfaction too...and, political affiliation (in some countries, changing political affiliation can have deadly consequences) and yes, religious affiliation. There really is nothing "special" about JWs' doubts and their capacity for remaining affiliated despite the doubts. It's called being human. Yet, the amazing thing is, people do decide to break free - it can lead to lots of negative consequences in the short term but in the longer term it's worth it.
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PSacramento
Even when afce with the truth, sometimes painfully, for most its easier to stay than to go, the ones that question and leave are the true faithful, the ones with real strength from God.
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I quit!
Blondie, some of the most miserable people I have met are those that either leave the Watchtower or have been put out of it yet still believe it to be the truth. Fortunately some of them find their way here and are able to get rid of the guilt.
Starting over, I think a lot of them stay in not because they believe all of it but because they have had "where are we to go" pounded into their heads for so many years that they really believe there is no where to go outside of the Watchtower. And many of them fear (justifiably so) they will loss everything if they leave the Watchtower. And I'm sure they see how you are viewed by your former friends and family and they may not have the courage to deal with it.
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no more kool aid
I honestly don't think most of them are thinking that much. That is precisely what I am trying to get my "in" friends to do, THINK! They get so wrapped up in the social aspect, the gossip, who was at the meeting Sunday. They are just drones. They don't question the doctrine, when there is a new light they forget about the old new light. I don't think they have many beliefs but are great rule followers.