Is Bethel the WTS equivalent of "wordly" military service?

sinis

It would seem that they both go hand in hand. You devote your life to Bethel, move up in the ranks, are considered more respected with time served, go, and do whatever you are told - even at times putting your life in jeopardy, etc.

cantleave

NO!!!!! You get paid for national service.

sspo

You get a pension with the military which enables you to have a dignified life in your older years.

Billy the Ex-Bethelite

Military service has many, many more benefits. Believe me.

OnTheWayOut

I was in the military before I joined the rank and file of Jehovah's Witnesses. I visited Bethel and couldn't believe the similar lifestyle.
I said that I was so glad I had not pursued Bethel life.

If the military is "done with you" they typically give you a pension. If you get hurt, they typically offer you lifetime healthcare of some sort.
Bethel doesn't do either if they are done with you.

troubled mind

The similarities are striking though . I was raised by a career Marine Corps Father and a JW Mother . We lived on base until my Dad retired . When I was an adult I chaperoned a group of teens to Bethel . The personal tour and dinner with the Bethelites struck me as highly militaristic. I did not enjoy the visit at all ,I just could not shake the uncomfortable feeling . It did NOT feel like a family, but rather base life I had been around in childhood .

I agree at least military life left my Dad with a good pension and health care ! Also trade he took into civilian life that gave him a second career and pension .

african GB Member

There's no "daily text" in the military...lol

TMS

There is no exact equivalent. In the real world, perhaps the Boy Scouts. In the congregations for purposes of finding a mate, perhaps the equivalent of doctor or lawyer. Bethel service credentials seem to wear off over time. Many former Bethelites of years past seem to viewed as very ordinary as time goes by. I'm ignoring government benefits because they are really not status related. Disabililty, age, low income can all bring assistance from the gov't. Perhaps the best U.S. comparison would be the Peace Corp.

tms

Farkel

They don't tell you not to play with your pee-pees in the military.

Farkel

poppers

They don't tell you not to play with your pee-pees in the military.

Every morning during boot camp the first thing my drill instructors yelled out was, "Drop your cock and grab your socks."

Is Bethel the WTS equivalent of "wordly" military service?

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