Would You Have Remained A Witness If They Weren't Sooo Strict?

by minimus 27 Replies latest jw friends

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  minimus

  I think I would've probably tolerated the religion if "conscience" really did play a role in the religion. There are many people in religions that do not believe EVERY thing that is taught, yet they are still members in good standing. Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses aren't like that.

  You HAVE to believe it all or you will be "no longer considered a Jehovah's Witness". That designation means you cannot be talked to, you will be shunned, etc.

  But if the religion wasn't so extreme, I bet many would still be members. What do you think?
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  creativhoney

  I wouldnt have if my parents weren't so strict, they were over the top and militant.
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  JWoods

  It might be of interest to note that back in the 1975-1980 era, there was considerably LESS strictness than what is being reported now. And yet, in light of the big 1975 failed prophecy, a large falling away occurred during the next 3 to 5 years.

  For myself, the first item was the revelation that they had not been truthful about the use of the name Jehovah in the NWT new testament (around 1969). Then, the demonstrably stupid "heart is a thinking organ" notion, followed by the failure of 1975 "end of the system of things."

  So, I think that those leaving prior to 1980, like myself, were probably turned away on mostly doctrinal matters. In todays WTS world, I think the increasing cult-like strictness is MUCH more of a factor. That, combined very likely, with the easy availability of the internet and sites like this one.
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  minimus

  I think many JWs have differences with the Organization on blood, Jehovah, reporting time, etc.

  I think many many stay in spite of not 100% believing everything,

  If JWs were not so strict, so extreme, I believe many more would be nominal JWs.
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  recovering

  if they allowed for dissent among the members with regards to some of their theology possibly. I never was able to agree with their view as to dates etc. Furthermore if they allowed for a mechanism for disagreement, that would truly be considered by their upper level hirachy i would feel that at least we had a voice. One good example of this is the 2 witness rule regarding child abuse. They should have allowed for the rank and file to voice there opinion without reprecussions. They are so controling , that they alianated me as well as many others with their iron clad policies. They are afraid of any outside research or secular education. Why? because they know that a person trained to have a secular critical mind will poke vast holes in their policies.

  many mainstream christian religions do offer mechanisms for expressing dissent and it is viewed as healthy. Here is a reference to baptists

  http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0NXG/is_1_39/ai_113759506/
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  Witness 007

  I think slowly my belief in God as a whole would wear off....It's not just the strictness it's the bullsh#t doctrines that don't fly with me.
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  minimus

  Many of us do not really care if we belong to a religion. If we're in a certain one or not makes no huge difference. I know some like my daughter who think of bringing up their kids with some religion---as long as it's not extreme.

  If JWs were more balanced and less cultic, I believe many would stay and even contribute $$$ to the Watchtower Society.
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  ziddina

  Minimus, "If JWs were more balanced and less cultic, I believe many would stay and even contribute $$$ to the Watchtower Society."

  Probably true. For me, once I heard Exodus 19: 16-19 read from the podium, and realized that neither the Israelites, nor their god, had a frikkin' clue that the mountain was, in fact, an erupting volcano...

  Basically, I stopped being a Christian right there and then. After that, the only things that kept me in any religion were intimidation and violence.

  And the more I looked, the more I saw that convinced me of the primitive, ignorant nature of the authors of ALL of the Middle-Eastern religions...

  Zid
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  minimus

  Zid, I bet you're the only one that left because of Ex. 19.
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  cantleave

  The strictness was never an issue when I was in. I was brought up a witness and I never knew anything else. I truly believed that the adherence to the bible's laws and principles was agood thing. When I was a teenager I broke loads of the rules but I still felt they were a sign of the JW's having the "Truth". It's nice to have the Freedom from constant guilt but it was never a factor in my waking up and leaving.