Do you think a lot of JWs are ashamed of their beliefs? (page 5)

Vidiot

nugget - "I hated it when people made a big show of their beliefs..."

When you saw it, was it a "Pharisee" moment?

ThomasCovenant

I did my level best to always avoid discussing anything slightly religious just in case any one ever said ' hey, aren't you a jova witness?'

Totally embarrassed in school and work. Not ashamed, just embarrassed to be known as, what I would call, a religious nutter.

Even when I was very "high profile" and very active - giving Sunday talks, conducting the Theocratic Ministry School, etc - I went to neighbors/relatives/coworkers funerals and weddings in their churches - was even a best man in a Baptist wedding, and pretty much everyone in the congregation knew about it. I'd tell them, "It's a conscience matter, right? RIGHT?"

All my neighbors and coworkers knew I was a "deacon" (as they'd say) in my church. However, I was able to tell that most in the congregation - even "appointed servants" - were ashamed of their beliefs. I guess many did not want to be there but had to because of families or other ties, and some were just not sure of their beliefs, and others just did not want to be "a theatrical spectacle".

White Dove

Ashamed, embarrassed, and proud was what I was.

I hated being a JW every minute of every day and wished there was another way to get everlasting life.

I did what was expected of me and was proud to be on the winning team.

At the same time, however, I desperately wanted to lead a normal life, like everyone else that I saw.

I envied all non-JWs for their not being born in it and it chosen for them, as it was for me.

I have a new answer to anyone who pressures me to get back into it (thanks FB friend:):

I am your loved one, and that will never change, BUT I'm not your performing seal.

VampireDCLXV

pirata:

JWs label it "fear of man". I think it is more cognitive dissonance shoved to the back of the mind.

An interesting observation. I think that cognitive dissonance is only part of the picture...

"Fear of Man": Ooooooooooooh! How I hate that saying! If I never hear that phrase again, it'll be too soon!

I think it's only human to want to avoid getting flack from others. Humans are social creatures after all, and it goes against instinct for one to want to say or do things that could result in social isolation as a consequence. Let's face it; having the JW religion as a large part of one's identity is a major social liability and it leaves JWs isolated from the rest of humanity to a significant degree (which is, of course, what the old men in Brooklyn want). It's a big cost to one's emotional health to have to endure such a social stigma. Personal embarrassment and shame are only a small part of that...

V665 V665

I quit!

I have a new answer to anyone who pressures me to get back into it (thanks FB friend:):

I am your loved one, and that will never change, BUT I'm not your performing seal.

I love that answer White Dove. Lately I have read post by several people that say they have to stay in the WT because people in their congregation really care about them and that is why they go on prending to be believing JWs. What they fail to see is that the people in their congregation that they think care so much about them don't even know who they are. They're just enjoying the performance they are putting on. If they ever stop playing the role of loyal Watchtower subject they will find out just how quick all that love and affection turns to anger.

LisaRose

I wasn't at first. As time went on I tried not to bring it up right away, so they would get to know me and see I wasn't an idiot. Then I just tried not to bring it up at all. Finally I realized those people that thought JW's were idiots were right and I left and joined them.

truthlover

Sad -= cause I thought this was the one

embarassed - because of flaunting the fact that no one who committed a crime would get away with it, as they would have to confess to the police before becoming a JW - only to find out that child abusers were committing the most horrible of crimes -molesters,physical abusers, emotional abusers (male ) and allowed to get away with it by other men,elders -- -saying we all sin, go your way and sin no more- yah right!

They do hot have training to deal with these issues - protect jehovah's organization??? Jehovah would not want this to happen - He has to be very upset that His name is attached to such things. And then, the organization has to pay off those who want to bring justice to light...using our contributions to pay off the unfortunate abuse victims....this eats me up!

embarassed - as a woman to think we are second class citizens in an organization that tells us God is not partial and who also says that "even" woman have been chosen to be of the annointed, yet the female gender cannot hold any position in the "governing body" of men... nor give them counsel being a woman, they are in subjection.... so what about Deborah-the prophetess???

sentimental- when I came into the truth, it was not like today - we sat around the dinner table and had real conversations about the bible, gave our impression about talks and points without being afraid someone would run to an elder to tell them we are becomning apostate

Mad - as to how the governing body is usurping Jesus' role as our mediator, how they have dropped the holy spirit from the baptismal vow

I think I will take a break..

MrFreeze

truthlover, I agree 100 %

flipper

I QUIT- I think that many JW's don't even realize they SHOULD be ashamed of their beliefs. They are so mind controlled by the WT society to feel they are better than 99 % of the rest of humans on the planet that they can't see the forest through the trees. To them they think they have the answers to all the worlds problems. A paradise earth with deluded happy humans petting deluded happy giraffes and lions. And children lounging with happy deluded snakes. Oh yeah- Forgot to mention - they also happily think they will all live forever in good health and never die - yet 99% of the REST of mankind will be annihilated at Armageddon. What's to be ashamed about ? Sheesh. Peace out, Mr. Flipper

Do you think a lot of JWs are ashamed of their beliefs?