Pedophiles Among Us - (H20 post)

by waiting 57 Replies latest jw friends

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  waiting

  Hello Struggle,

  Being a rape survivor, and having my child raped by a ministerial servant, and being told by my CO and PO to remain silent "for the good of the congregation," I feel I have a right to talk.

  I understand your viewpoint. But there are two issues involved here.

  1. Imperfect men/women who sin.

  2. An organization who covers over the gross, illegal acts of their own members and shame their victims into silence.

  You are correct that the organization is made up of imperfect men. You are also correct that we should love Jehovah. However, each of us - just as the WTBTS teaches us to teach others - needs to look at the religious organization itself - to see if that organization is living up to the Bible standards.

  If the organization itself - as an entity - is covering over pedophiles, just like the Catholic Church has done for decades, then the WTBTS - as an entity - is just as unethical. And the WTBTS has roundly condemned the Catholic Church - as an entity. We've been taught to look at the organization itself, because "there are good people in all organizations." It is our job, nay our mission to get everlasting life, to get those "good people" out of those false religions. Did you ever have to send a letter to your former religious organization so that your name wouldn't be on their records so that when Armageddon came - Jehovah would recognize you were officially no longer part of that organization? I did - to the Catholic Church.

  The Organization of WTBTS is covering over pedophiles and keeping victims and their families in silence and shame. Satan is not doing this. The Watchtower organization is doing this.

  Sorry if I've offended you - that was not my intent, but it's a big issue that no one wants to talk about, especially the WTBTS.

  waiting

  Edited by - waiting on 30 December 2000 23:5:44
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  STRUGGLE

  Waiting I did'nt mean to upset you. If you will go back and read my post, I clearly stated that "so much is going on in the organization that we do not have a clue about, Jehoavh will clean it out".

  And no I am not saying that satan is causing the org. to conceal or protect the pedophiles. I am very well aware that people are doing these things, not satan. But where did it all start? In the garden of eden. Who decieve who?

  I agree wholeheartly with your thought, "show me in the Bible where
  it says to cover over gross sins". It does'nt. Bottom line it is wrong. They need to be punish when it is brought to light. I don't have any children, but trust me when I say, even though I have loyalty to the org. nothing and no one could convince me to not take
  action in a case like this.

  Again I aplogize if I offened anyone.

  No you did not offend me. I understand where you are coming from. Even though I am still totally devoted to the org. I know the men in it are imperfect.

  You have help me alot whether you know it or not. Agape

  Edited by - Struggle on 30 December 2000 23:10:3
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  RedhorseWoman

  AARRRGGGHHHH!!! Struggle, I am not upset with you, believe me. I am, however, upset with this organization that covers up heinous, immoral, unethical, and illegal acts and expects its members to react with patience and understanding.

  The WTBTS has vilified every other religious organization on earth for committing the same acts that are committed within the WTBTS every day. Other religious organizations are characterized as being ruled by Satan for allowing things to happen within their walls; however, JW's are enjoined to "wait on Jehovah" because these are "just imperfect men", and "Jehovah will clean out the organization in His due time".

  I'm sorry, but this is a load of crap. These horrific incidents have been occurring for years, and the situation continues to worsen. I spent years trying to convince myself that all of the horrendous inequities I observed would be straightened out by Jehovah, because these were, after all, just imperfect men. They never were, and the only reason things are coming to light now is because some individuals are speaking out. The WTBTS would NEVER have admitted to this on its own, but rather it has been forced into a corner. This is NOT something God would condone, IMO.

  This is an organization that claims to be under direct control and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and yet, the powers that be mandate that these things should be covered up. This isn't a matter of problems occurring within the congregation that are immediately brought to light and rectified. THESE ARE PROBLEMS THAT THE GB HAS BLATANTLY COVERED UP FOR YEARS!!

  How long will the rank and file bury their heads in the sand? How many more lives will be ruined?
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  STRUGGLE

  I hear you Redhorsewoman

  I have'nt reach the level you are on now. I am still think Jehovah will clean out his org. Who knows I might be one of them. It's what I was taught, it is what I still beleive. I've come to find out that you don't have to agree with everything the org. tells you, but have faith in the most important aspect of. Read and discerning for oneself what is found in the Bible. The rest I wait on the light to get brighter.

  I can't remember if it was Frenchy or who made the statement, that JW's have had to come back and change things that they thought was right. Something along those lines. I'm babbling. Need to get some sleep.

  Thanks to all of you for being patience with me, knowing that "I" still back Jehovah's earthly org.

  But I understand where you are coming from.
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  OrangeVale Bob

  Path,
  I appreciate your advice. I don't mind being scrutinized as long as that scrutiny is unbiased.
  Struggle,
  Your honesty and sincerity are welcome.
  I was raised and indoctrinated into the Catholic Church. I attended their schools and studied their religion. In my early teens I had learned enough of their historyto know I wanted no part of it.
  In my late teens I studied and was baptized as a Witness of Jah. I was very zealous for five years and then drifted away. I lived as a "worldly person" but the things I learned as a witness never left me. I shunned all organized religion. I lived for "today" as I expected to be destroyed at Armageddon with the wicked. I tried to be truthful and (mostly- eeek) moral.
  I eventually returned to the organization and lasted for 1 1/2 years. I studied continuously and did more than what was expected. Then I drifted away again. I won't elaborate on the doubts I had that led to this occuring. I'm begining to now list those doubts in order to address them (ain't excell wonderful). One thing I was extremely aware of and tried to overlook was that none of the "Bible Studies" both inside and outside of the Congregation were very deep. Discussion seemed to consist of reciting the information "in your own words" contained in various study aids.
  I do believe in prayer. I do believe in an all powerful Creator. I earnestly hope that he will directly interfere in mankinds affiars. If not, we are in for one hell-of-a-ride.
  I would like to learn more of the history of the WBTS (more than JW Divine Proclaimers relates). I would like to know if the sexual abuse allegations are true. If they are true, I cannot have anything to do with the WBTS. I will prayerfully consider this and examine all evidence that I can find.
  I'll still try closing my eyes and clickin' my heels and sayin' those words. Who knows, maybe it'll work.
  OVB (off to dreamland while clickin' his heels)
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  mommy

  thanx for the hug pathofthorns:) what I was trying to say is if the society views they shouldnt read apostate literature then, they never would have gotten past the first few lines of his resignation letter. Do you really think they read what we have sent them?
  STRUGGLE I am not understanding you sorry. Ialso don't know how to put your words up here like everyone else does:( But the statement you made about not having kids,but trust you even though you have loyalty to orginazation, but NOTHING & NOONE could convince you not to take action in a case like this.
  my question is~ where do you draw the line as to how far you will follow this org?
  Iknow that there was some very sensitive things I have done for this org.including but not limited to lying, manipulating words,trapping fellow members(dirty work for the elders)all of this because I chose to follow the org ANYWHERE
  Happily today I feel no need to assign myself to an org. of any type unless of course I miracuously find one that shares EVERY belief I have which is not likely
  my point to you struggle is~ If you dont believe in everything how can you be called a jw? You are representing them. So please think long and hard about your beliefs and pray to god he might not answer you today or tomorrow or the next day but when he does you will make th eright choice and your heart will be FREE and hopefully your struggle over:)
  lots of love sent your way
  I will pray for you as well
  mommy
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  mommy

  Hey just another thought
  You can't really pick and choose doctrines in the jw faith can you? It is an all or nothing religion that is the way I was taught.
  mommy
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  Pathofthorns

  Actually Struggle, I thought about what you said and remembered that I too was not too long ago saying the same words as you. Telling even a certain member here to try to go back to the meetings and to try to hang on.

  I thought the concept was right and that it was just that individuals did not want to go along with what was necessary. But then I took a long hard look at the whole picture, the history right from the beginning.

  I realized that the concept was never right to begin with. High ideals, sure, but the foundation of doctrine was nowhere near to being the sure thing I imagined it was. I realized that it wasn't so much that humans were imperfect and get things wrong, but that the attitudes that bound members to those wrong teachings and prevented them the freedom of conscience to seek God and follow his leadings; that was the real crime.

  I looked at where things were headed, how the organization was in a state of crisis with no clear or even inspiring leadership or direction anymore. I realized I was being dragged down with a sinking ship, and no matter how much I wished it to be unsinkable, the dream was a just a myth.

  I know its scary to look at the open sea of life. But one way or another that is where we all end up if the boat we are on is going down. Just be honest and strong, rely on your faith and you will be fine. Always live your life by the ideals of truth and never be afraid to change your way of thinking as you grow.

  Keep learning and you will I'm sure find that peace and refreshment that Christ taught. Whatever you feel you have done, he doesn't hold that against you. Just carry on and feel good about yourself.

  *** Rbi8 John 8:1-11 ***
  8 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At daybreak, however, he again presented himself at the temple, and all the people began coming to him, and he sat down and began to teach them. 3 Now the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught at adultery, and, after standing her in their midst, 4 they said to him: “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of committing adultery. 5 In the Law Moses prescribed for us to stone such sort of women. What, really, do you say?” 6 Of course, they were saying this to put him to the test, in order to have something with which to accuse him. But Jesus bent down and began to write with his finger in the ground. 7 When they persisted in asking him, he straightened up and said to them: “Let the one of YOU that is sinless be the first to throw a stone at her.” 8 And bending over again he kept on writing in the ground. 9 But those who heard this began going out, one by one, starting with the older men, and he was left alone, and the woman that was in their midst. 10 Straightening up, Jesus said to her: “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” 11 She said: “No one, sir.” Jesus said: “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way; from now on practice sin no more.”

  Path
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  thinker

  Struggle,
  I truly do understand your dilemma.
  But I just can't sit back and swallow the statement about waiting for Jehovah to fix things. First of all, He would not even want these things to occur. And allowing room for imperfection is fine. But somewhere a line has to be drawn.
  Waiting and Redhorse Woman's comments are very true.
  Speaking as a person who was raped at the age of seventeen by one of the anointed, I think I have a right to speak up. I was publicly reproved for this action. He was privately reproved. How many other little girls did he rape during those years? Because no one knew. He lived in a southern state, while I lived in a northern state. No one was warned about him. (he had a virgin fetish, do the math)
  How is that you say you would never allow this to happen to one of your own and quietly stand by and take the stance of waiting on Jehovah when so many other little one's are being ravished. I for one cannot be silent and stand by. If I were to know of a case I would make it public!!!! Now not later.
  This is Thinkers Wife

  Edited by - thinker on 31 December 2000 8:59:59
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  Frenchy

  mommy
  To use the 'quote' thing along with other stuff:
  When you post a reply look at the bottom of the window and click on "Use Forum Code in your message". Just follow the easy directions.

  I really appreciated your comment:

  You can't really pick and choose doctrines in the jw faith can you? It is an all or nothing religion that is the way I was taught.

  This is something that a lot of Witnesses are starting to do today. I'm really amazed at how many are able to do this and still claim loyalty to the organization and still call it 'the truth'. But it is as you stated, 'all or nothing'.

  -Seen it all, done it all, can't remember most of it-