Do you still attend meetings? (page 4)

JAVA

TW,

Just a few thoughts before I go to the office. I think you need to do whatever it is that you need to do concerning your parents. Telling them your thoughts about the Tower WILL NOT "save them." Being totally honest with JW relatives only alienates; it doesn't help them see the light and leave. If it worked that way most of us wouldn't have JW relatives in the Tower.

Thinker is trying to take the high road with his encouragment of total honesty. That doesn't work in the Land of Oz. The Tower labels that type of honesty "apostate," thus severing all ties we have with families. High-control religions do not value HONESTY, they value CONTROL!

JAVA, counting time with the group at the Coffee Shop

thinkers wife

Java,
Thanks, that is pretty much what I thought. Thanks for taking the time. It is much appreciated.
TW

Frenchy

waiting

If you don't mind - how do you accomplish the study? By book or by thought, such as trinity, etc?

It's interesting that you should ask that. OF all ‘Bible Studies' I have ever conducted this is the first time that I have actually had a Bible study and not a ‘book study'. I asked him what in particular interested him or if there was something in particular that he would like to know. He told me that he would like to have a better overall knowledge of the Bible. Is that all?! But when I questioned him a little further I realized that he wanted to be able to put into perspective a lot of the things he knew and had heard about, i.e. what came first, Abraham or the flood? How did the Israelites come into the picture? What were they doing in Egypt? What about Daniel and Isaiah and Job, who were they and how do they fit into the picture.
I gave him a one hour synopsis of the progression of events from Genesis to Jesus. He seemed to enjoy this very much. The next week we zeroed in on some of the stuff that had piqued his interest. Then he asked me about the book of Daniel. His wife (who comes from a family of witnesses although both her father and mother are df'd) attends the meetings and she told him they were studying Daniel at the book study. He asked me about Daniel and we opened up the Bible and are now going through Daniel chapter by chapter.
I tell him the interpretations and applications made by the WTBS because I know his wife is bound to talk to him about it. But I also very carefully let him know when certain ‘leaps of logic', to use Friend's terminology, are used to promote dogma. I point these things out to him and ask him what he thinks of it. He's pretty sharp and so far has been able to see more than I would have given him credit for in the beginning.
Anyway, it is very rewarding for me. I told him that I would teach him what I knew as long as he wanted to learn and that my visits with him had no ulterior motive. I told him that I don't ‘count' the time and that what he does with what he learns is strictly up to him. So far he seems to enjoy it very much as do I so we are both benefitting from the study. He tells me that it has helped him to focus more on spiritual things. He says that he feels a real need for this in his life.
As to your mention of missing seeing old friends that is my big thing too. I live in a small community and everyone knows everyone else and I truly do like to visit and be with the people I have known all my life.

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

STRUGGLE

Yes I am very much active in the congregation. I know no other place to go. I attend all my meetings. I was a pioneer, not now. It is what I beleive in. I give talks, demostrations etc.

trevor

Hello Sassencha

I haven't been to a meeting for more than 15 years. It is hard to believe that I had my head so far up for so long (in the clouds!)My advice to anyone who has escaped from the Watchtower is to stop looking for another prison - the open countryside is great once you get used to the fresh air and freedom.

trevor

mommy

Trevor,
My sentiments excactly! I have looked into many religions, and found none that hold ALL of my beliefs. I refuse to be a hypocrite and assign my name to a religion, or should I say their name on me. I am very happy where I am right now, and don't feel the need for organized religion in my life.
Zazu and TW,
When you were talking about the music in the cathedral, I remember when I was younger. At district assemblies, I would not sing, I would listen. The sound of all the people singing in unison was a beautiful sound to me.
THINKER,
Your wife knows the mindset of her parents, please respect (and I know you are very thoughtful about this to begin with) her descision, it is her choice to tell them. When her heart is ready, she will know. And I know that you will stick by her, through this time.
wendy

RedhorseWoman

TW, just to add to the opinions already expressed.....I've found that keeping a fairly low profile is probably more beneficial in the long run. An outright declaration of non-belief will surely cause the door to slam shut. Taking a more moderate stance, however, frequently allows the active JW's to see that the one who is now inactive has NOT turned into some horrible degenerate. Sometimes it even opens the door to further discussions....but it takes a long time.

larc

Thinker and Thinker's wife,

Thinker, I don't want you to think we are ganging up on you, but I have to agree with the other's comment. I would love to get my sister out, but I know there is no way. My wife and I have talked about it a lot, and our conclusions is that if she ever gets serious doubts she will approach us, because she knows she can so with no negative repurrcusions. I can sense that if I tryed to persuade her, she would stop talking to me. I can give you reasons for my sensing this, but that's a long story.

Anyway, it's good to be able to come to a place like this to talk things over, I think.

thinkers wife

Thanks everyone. I have pretty much made up my mind to just leave it alone for now. If they ask, I will probably tell them. But the chances of that are pretty slim.
TW

thinkers wife

Larc,
That is pretty much the conclusion I have come to. I can sense the same thing with my parents.
I don't feel ganged up on at all. I feel loved.
Thanks again everybody. And feel free to add anything from anyone!!
Struggle,
How are you doing?
TW

Do you still attend meetings?

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