Things That Matter and Things That Don't

by AllTimeJeff 35 Replies latest jw friends

  • AllTimeJeff
    AllTimeJeff

    Because these topics are frequently and passionately debated on this board and others, here are some more thoughts.

    MATTERS:
    That you answer the god question and what being spiritual means to you.

    DOESN'T MATTER:
    That other people find other paths. I certainly don't agree with most organized religion as to how it herds people into group think. That is dangerous to me. At the same time, the traditional church and feeling close to a "higher power" has real and tangible benefits. It isn't an easy thing to figure out, and agreement will never come. It also doesn't matter if some self righteous people insist they have it right, they know best, or that their religion is the one. We've been down that road before. It's good enough to know that there are tons of people who feel they are right and right with god, and that you aren't. Don't sweat it. They aren't changing you, and you aren't changing them.

    MATTERS:
    That you stay abreast of current events, political or otherwise, and contribute to your community. Or if you decide you shouldn't, thats ok too.

    DOESN'T MATTER:
    That people disagree. Listen, we live in a democracy. The strength and weakness is the same. We can be ourselves and have our own thoughts and vote. That means that "unity" or agreement is hard to come by. If you disagree with political views, the only thing I can say is, don't be a jerk about it. Conservatives, liberals, moderates and apathetics can agree to disagree. Or at least you can.

    Don't argue just for the rush it gives you. Arguing with people over the internet about JW's, politics, and religion can be beneficial. But it shouldn't be your only hobby.

  • flipper
    flipper

    JEFF- Good thread. Nice to have you here friend ! Good points you make. I feel one of the main things the JW cult and WT society robbed from us is our individuality or ability to think for ourselves. The last 7 years I have really enjoyed my freedom of mind and clear thinking ability based on having access to information OUTSIDE the walls of the WT society to inform myself ! What matters to me is each individual's freedom to be totally independent and self sustaining in their own thinking. I desire to help people see that they DO have the power to find their own freedom of mind - if they just grasp it and educate themselves

  • mrsjones5
    mrsjones5

    That was great

  • life is to short
    life is to short

    Thanks Jeff I love your posts. You always make me think. Glad to see you back. LITS

  • compound complex
    compound complex

    Thanks, Jeff.

    There has been something missing for me, despite the progress I've made. Your refreshing post has answered many questions for me and helped fill in an imagined and feared bottomless pit.

    CoCo

  • watson
    watson

    Made it to the end, wanting for more.

    It's interesting how some people have a way with words.....and some people...no have way.

  • Open mind
    Open mind

    MATTERS: Keeping your Field Service time at or above the national average and pioneering if at all possible.

    DOESN'T MATTER: How you will care for yourself in your older years since Armageddon is almost here.

    Oops. Pardon my back-sliding.

    Great post Jeff!

    om

  • kurtbethel
    kurtbethel

    The JW culture reminds me of those people who feel you must have the right brand of clothing, or sunglasses or car to be cool. If you lack any of these they consider you uncool. The joke is on them. The coolest person I ever knew got baggy clothes from a thrift store and had a beater car and was unkempt in appearance. What any of those "cool" people do not realize is that those who are not in their little group do not give a rats ass about them tripping all over themselves to go get whatever product makes them cool to each other. They are insignificant.

  • White Dove
    White Dove

    Kurt,

    Great point! I cleaned out my friendship closet a couple of years ago because of just what you described about those clothes horses. They tried to change me into what they felt was cool, and I was unchangeable. It was literally clothing, make-up, hairstyle, shoes, etc. Very shallow. Doesn't matter. I'm a t-shirt, blue jean, and tennyshoes kinda person. They were not even close but were pretentious about it. Now, there is no one in my life who is within 1200 miles trying to change me into what they want.

  • whereami

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