by bigmac 88 Replies latest jw friends
Mad
So the elder could in your view "out" somebody in the rank, but can't step down himself willinglly? WTF?
It is ok to kick someone else out because you are "saving" them, but you cant honor your own reasoning? Hogwash...
By the way, my posts on this subject are not directed to anyone personally...It is only my opinion on a hypothetical. No offense to anyone is meant.
LW
All of the threads blasting doubting active dubs, faders and elders about being active posters on this site are ridiculous. As was mentioned, they are a source of inside information. But more importantly, they have to find their own way out just like everyone else. There is no timetable for doing this. No one should feel they have do ANYTHING until they are good and ready.
Of course they should not be personally "blasted". Of course everyone exits or not on their own time. However, this thread is about elders in particular who know the truth about the truth (tm), and remain in a position of authority. It is a question and thread that I personally find interesting and worth exploring in depth. I have always wondered about it...Not why would an elder post here per say, but how they can in good conscience remain elders, leaders of the "faith" after becoming aware.
LW
YNot, I think your 3 points are right on the money. I would suggest a 4th: The elder/MS feels that by remaining in his position for the time being, he is less harm than good-- good for his emotional well-being, good for his current family situation, good through his "awaked reasonableness" as an elder/MS to others in the congregation who may not be able to find such reasonableness from others.
My personal belief is that someone who continues to serve as an elder or MS, while viewing or contributing to this site, does so because it is what is best for their own personal/family situation and/or emotional well-being at this point in their lives. I don't see it as having to choose from "two entirely opposite paths"; I think they are making their own path, which I think is usually the best path for that person.
How often do we read of experiences on this site where lives are made tragically miserable because the wills and agendas of others (congregation, family, WTBS, etc.) have superceded what we feel is best for us personally? So many people are drawn to this site specifically because it's okay to be who you are at this momement (no matter where your are in your life journey)-- it doesn't matter if you're an active JW, DF'd, DA'd, "fading"-- you can come here and discuss your doubts, fears, hopes, and speculations, in a safe, consequence-free environment.
To criticize others' personal decisions about what's best for their own lives reminds me of so many of the horror stories we read time and again on this site. So if one person has already choosen not recognize the authority of the WTBS over his or her conscience, it might be interpreted by some as hypocritcal for that person to then demand that others subject themselves to it by stepping away from being an elder/MS.
@ little witch:
thanks for your reply, i see you've been on this site many years, & posted thousands of times
i just cant understand how any one can be a ,regular longstanding member, supporting the views of this "worldly" apostate site, & yet continue to serve as an elder .
this logically means taking the lead, public talks, praying, going out preaching--serving the interest of their WT masters ( all voluntary ) which means BY CHOICE-- UNPAID
what do they get out of it----why attack me---aren't i putting into words what a lot of members think?
i dont know--i'm still feeling my way around her.
While I don't fall into this category, I did at one time and so I can understand the position a little. A couple of points:
1 - I saw no reason (and still don't) to be honest with the WTS given how dishonest that organization has been with me.
2 - Unless the person gave away a ton of personal information, the likelihood of being outed is very low. I highly doubt the elders/ms that post are telling their families about that activity. Plausible deniability is the key for any stuck in JW.
3 - Many elders avoid JCs. I know when I started having doubts (pre this site) I made sure that I wasn't on any JCs. Easy to do.
4 - It may be hypocritical if the person involved is enforcing the WTS's rules. Ultimately, it bothered me that others in the congregation were hearing me give talks and comments that I simply didn't believe. I couldn't care less what I told the WTS management (other elders, COs, etc).
5 - The inside information posts drive the WTS batty!! Doesn't that have value alone? How many meetings in Bethel have they had about stopping leaks? I'll bet those leaks chew up time on a regular basis. Just knowing that someone is getting upset about their precious info being leaked makes my day. Also, those with family in but who are being shunned will be able to understand the changes and look for opportunities to perhaps reconnect. Just because it doesn't have value to you doesn't necessarily make it valueless.
6 - It's not easy to just resign without raising huge questions. It takes time to lay the ground work if you want to just fade into the background. Even when you resign, sometimes the BOE won't accept your resignation (look at OTWO's experience).
7 - It's not even middle management for the WT, it's low management. Honestly, the WTS looks at their elders with distain.
8 - As for the original question, my guess would be that they 1) no longer fear the big A and 2) likely have serious doubts about any resurrection.
I can tell you this much, I'm not sure if there is a God but I am sure that no one will be judged based on their response to the WT. If we indeed answer to a higher power, it will be on the basis of how we treat others and whether we lived a good life. It will not be because of any stupid religion (in my opinion).
I can tell you this much, I'm not sure if there is a God but I am sure that no one will be judged based on their response to the WT. If we indeed answer to a higher power, it will be on the basis of how we treat others and whether we lived a good life. It will not be because of any stupid religion (in my opinion).
totally agree
add little witch to the list of people who are not allowed to read anything supplied by active elders.. cause after all, they are supporting the oppresive establishment.. they are part of the system.. so by reading and benefiting from what they supply you are supporting them wich is supporting the system they represent...
hypocrites
So the elder could in your view "out" somebody in the rank, but can't step down himself willinglly? WTF?
It is ok to kick someone else out because you are "saving" them, but you cant honor your own reasoning? Hogwash...
That isn't what I said or meant. Feel free to knock down more straw men though if it makes you feel like a better person.
Oh My...
Elderelite,
Do not attack me...You are too too sensitive. You do NOT dictate to me what I will or will not read or post to. As stated above, I have an interest in the topic, and am not directing my OPINIONS to a person. Do NOT attempt to put words in my mouth, or presume to know my thoughts, unless I have written something that even closely relates. Geesh. Honestly. There is no "list" you have any control over whatsoever to add me to. This is NOT the kingdom hall fella.
Regards,
LW
