Nothing has really changed content-wise, at least in the last 30 years or so. They'll pretty much recycle the same old "experiences" every few years depending on the assembly theme. For example, if the theme is about field service, they'll talk about the two sisters who helped a poor old lady in the territory by stopping by with some groceries. If the theme is about remaining close to God, they'll give a demo about a kid who went to "the world", had some fun, lost his worldly friends and then came running back to the congo... same old recycled "Leave it to beaver" crap served up with a side of guilt...
Assembly changes
by d 36 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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d
Assemblies are torture compared to when I was younger.It was not so bad when I was younger because it felt like a little vacation.Today with school( I am a college student) I would not be able to go meetings and school at the same time.
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factfinder
As far as Circuit assemblies go I remember the tone of those in the 70's and 80's being much more positive then the ones in the 90's. I found myself depressed after hearing the talks in the 90's- we were never doing enough- we won't make it through armageddon.
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factfinder
sorry d- I just realized you meant compared to the 50's.
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saltyoldlady
I didn't get started going to assemblies until the 60's so I never experienced those long ones - can't even imagine it - usually by 5PM these days we were all worn out (from just sitting - LOL) and by the end of three days we'd HAD IT. Many of us older ones would divide it up going just one day at a time to each convention scheduled. I suspect the brothers will cut it down from 3 days for the District Convention to just 2 days sometime in the near future - would save tons of money - and they could call it being "lovingly kind and considerate" to all those poor bored souls.
But what I remember from the older ones conversations that went to the really BIG assemblies like 1958 were the enthusiasm - it was a once in a lifetime experience for them that they still reveled in 50 years later. It was truly special to them. Can you imagine anyone getting that psyched up today about an assembly or convention they attended?
And another thing that I have observed and wondered if others have too - have you ever tried counting how many of those who participated in the special experiences interviews ended up out of the organization later? One would think they would be the last to leave - they were special - singled out for sharing their encouragement with the big crowds - but again and again I have seen these same ones either getting DF'd, DA'd, or just mysteriously evaporating into space, probably quietly faded. In later years too the experiences began to include those that were only current Bible Studies - not even a requirement that they eventually got baptized or came into the organization. I remember at one Circuit Assembly when they featured an experience from my own congregation - knowing the whole story I couldn't help but wonder - wow, if they think that is special we are in big trouble. Now if one just finds someone who agrees to study it is considered an experience worth featuring at an assembly. This is pathetic.
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nugget
The Assemblies are more formulaic than in the past. The talks allow no room for self expression with introductions almost cut completely. They are shorter and more boring which is quite an achievement. Dramas are sandwiched in between long talk segments and are if possible more preachy than before. More symposiums, less releases more restrictions. In the past the food outlets and camaraderie at lunchtimes were a real highlight now it is all picnic lunch and take your rubbish home.
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jookbeard
are CA's just confined to one "special day" when I was in we had 2 CA's both running for the whole weekend.
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nugget
no 1 CA over 2 days and a 1 day special Assembly day.
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fokyc
Despite all the changes; IT is still the same old story!
Armageddon is just around the corner!
ALL Lies!
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jookbeard
got to be pushing 18 years since the last CA I attended, that boring dull Ass'embly hall in the middle of no where Hays Bridge