Can I ask elders a question without getting in trouble?

by NiceDream 26 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  NiceDream

  Recently I found no scriptural evidence to support 607 or therefore 1914. And the new overlapping generation really bothers my conscience because I don't see how it is scripturally supported.

  If I write a letter to Bethel, or talk with local elders, I am afraid of getting DF'd because I don't want to cause family conflict (with my spouse's family, not mine). I asked my spouse if it would be ok if I talked with an elder because I want answers, but don't want to cause family problems. My spouse wasn't sure and needs to think about it. This makes me think it's going to end badly.

  My spouse and I talked extensively over the last WT about holy spirit and how it gives new light. I asked how can we know which WT statements are directed by God's holy spirit and which are "imperfect men" writing their own thoughts, because things keep changing (1935 sealing, generation, Christ's presence, etc).

  My spouse said "I will always be a JW and nothing is going to change that because I know it's the truth." I am afraid I have gone too far asking unanswerable questions.

  Would you bother to ask the elders some questions or would you just be at peace knowing that this isn't "the truth" and leave it at that?
• 

  zeroday*

  Asking questions raises red flags. Mind control Cults do not tolerate decention or questioning you accept all or nothing. If you are afraid of loosing your family and friends you may just have to accept it is not the "truth" and leave it at that...
• 

  palmtree67

  The posters named Not a Captive (Maeve) and AGuest (Shelby) have both done just that.

  If you read their stories here, you will see how it turned out.

  Good luck to you,

  Palm
• 

  NiceDream

  Thanks, I will read their stories and see.
• 

  zoiks

  In my experience, asking questions is not discouraged per se. However, specific questions on certain subjects, i.e. 607/1914 will raise flags. The elders will want to know why you are asking, who you have been associating with, what websites you have been visiting, etc.

  And then there's the follow up: once they have given an answer, you are expected to accept that answer and be satisfied, or 'wait on Jehovah'. If you can't, you are starting down a road that others have traveled and can tell about. Like Not a Captive and AGuest, as Palmtree noted.
• 

  palmtree67

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/194159/1/How-I-left-Jehovahs-Witnesses-Maeve-Courteau

  Here is some of Maeve's story. I'll try to find the others for you.
• 

  palmtree67

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/190327/1/Me-the-WT-and-the-Separating-Work

  This is some of Shelby's.

  This will get you started, and you can follow this link to their other topics.
• 

  drew sagan

  I was in the same exact situation. You may find it helpful to read through the posts I made as it all was happening. Keep in mind that things worked out really well for me

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/110153/1/Elders-want-to-talk

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/112545/1/Your-Advice-Needed-What-Appears-Like-My-Only-Way-Out

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/113471/1/The-time-has-arrived-I-need-your-support

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/113784/1/Going-to-meet-with-an-elder

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/114077/1/Speaking-to-an-Elder-tomarrow-Im-almost-free

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/114180/1/Luke-21-8-my-discussion-with-an-elder

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/114632/1/UPDATE-Local-Needs-Part-on-Apostates

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/115559/1/Guess-who-just-stopped-by

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/117115/1/Update-The-pressure-is-rising-Elders-on-my-trail

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/117947/1/Another-Elder-Visit-GOSH

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/132608/1/Update-Elders-on-the-move

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/135172/1/Discussion-with-Elder-a-must-read-story

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/135538/1/Well-here-comes-a-judicial-committee

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/135667/1/JC-is-over-now-the-aftermath

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/136627/1/Update-Drew-Sagan-is-no-longer-a-Jehovahs-Witness
• 

  changeling

  I don't know if the experience of "AGuest" is completely reliable...

  Asking a question, in of itself, won't be an issue, but certain topics, as other posters have said,will cause alarm. 607 is definitely one of those topics. While you can competently show irrefutable, historical proof that Jerusalem fell to Babylon in 587, this information will be met with a brick wall. This date makes 1914 irrelevant and the whole "last days" concept crumbles.
• 

  AudeSapere

  Recently I found no scriptural evidence to support 607 or therefore 1914.

  The elders will likely assume you were prompted to make this inquiry after speaking with apostates or from an apostate website. If it's from anything apostate, it will be summarily disregarded and they will keep asking where you got that information from and what made you do a search on 607 in the first place.

  It's not likely to lead anywhere other than to label you a questioner and a troublemaker.

  Would you bother to ask the elders some questions or would you just be at peace knowing that this isn't "the truth" and leave it at that?

  Depends on what you want to accomplish. Do you want to make a stand and deal with reprecussions? Start asking questions.

  Do you want to keep peace in your family? Keep doing your own private research and just start observing people, behaviours, buzzwords, etc. When the time is right, you may be able to plant a seed in the mind of a family member and help them see the truth about the 'truth', too.

  I think many asked the questions because they were honestly curious or because they honestly wanted to present good info to the elders and researchers at Bethel. In hindsight, most did not get the response they hoped for.

  The posters named Not a Captive (Maeve) and AGuest (Shelby) have both done just that.

  Mouthy (Grandma Grace) was DF'd because she had issue with 1914, too.

  -Aude.