Hello Amazing,
The last line in your comments above is the tip off.
The "tip off" was sincere.
"Given your comments about Amnesian’s interest in this thread, though I see from her edited post, that any comments beyond a “~” were eliminated if they ever existed. I didn’t see them. We have no real debate or issue here. While I take exception with a few of your points, I am not interested in this turning into a debate".
I have also taken issue with a few of your points. I believe it to be impossible for that not to happen when having provocative, rigorously honest discussions. I truly appreciate the extent you have tried to remain focused. Believe me, I have done the same.
Judging from your comments I get the impression that you are a life long JW with your own set of views and unique experiences different than mine.
Very nice lead into your main point.
I did not grow up in the JW religion. I did not enter the religion as an Elder. I spent time at various stages and levels in the religion, and developed my own feelings and views specific to me.
My only position on JW Elders, as expressed in detail to Amnesian is that I cannot be judgmental or dogmatic on what each JW Elder must do upon his realization of what he learns about the religion. Amnesian's view is far more rigid, taking one of her stated views. Her interest in this thread tells me that a 'baited' situation is waiting in the wings. No, I am not afraid of debate with her, I just don't have time for that type of merry-go-round again. Once was enough.
I am not suggesting that you have anything to do with Amnesian's intents or her lack thereof. But, this time, I will pass to go with this any further.
Amnesian, as it regards to this thread is a total non-issue. It seems to concern you a bit that she is following this thread. I couldn't care less, though I find her interesting even if I feel she is missing the big picture.
In all seriousness, I posted some ideas about what might be "one way" that lifelong JWs might take to start an exit plan. My professional life is "plan and solution" oriented, so that spills over into other things I deal with. Many times I provide comments in this style, even when not asked to do so.
I have no problem with your "style". I'm a lifelong JW remember. It is so very familiar; it's all I have ever known....this plan and solution orientation. I actively try to live my life according to honesty and genuineness, then allow the chips to fall where they may. It's my style. I couldn't change it if I wanted to. Though I haven't always been succesful in this.... it's my natural way.
Now that I have encountered a true blue JW style thinker (post mordem), and I mean this as simply your natural disposition, (absolutely no negativity in that statement)I merely see potential, possibly even greatness as it relates to bringing down the Tower.
"But there is no place for me in this to take any “leadership’ role as you suggested, provided that you are serious in suggesting that idea. The forum here or on Randy Watters site at Freeminds can easily serve as a good place to compile ideas and experiences to help lifelong JWs find ways to exit the religion. Someone like yourself is best suited to that endeavor.
That was simply a beautiful denegration of what we all know to be your real potential, couched in classical we're-not-the-prophet-but-what-I-say-is-gospel WT prose. The verbal sleight-of-hand promoting me as superior than you was tantalizingly delectable. As for questioning my seriousness in any endeavor likely to result in greater defections..... (look in my eyes) I'm very serious.
"I am just a contributor who provides my own set of views and experiences for whatever they are worth and however they be prove helpful to some, or many. The threads I have started touch on these main topics: incompetence of JW Justice, problematic and idiotic teachings found in JW literature, the molestation issues, and personal experiences. The Justice Series, contrary to some claims otherwise, are "not" about me, rather they "are" about what other people went through. They were written from what I observed or read in the JC files. I only show up on the JCs in 3 of the 22 cases I relate. I did the Justice Series because no one else was doing anything like it, and I felt it would stimulate many other former Elders to contribute their own expose’ of JW Justice. I find that the Inner Sanctum of the JC is not exposed enough, and is far more interesting to many JWs and ex-JWs than even the mysteries associated with Anointing.
My recent Exit Series has never been related before, except in brief comments to other threads. It is mostly about me, because I fail to see how I can tell someone else’s story. It is my story, my experiences. If they interest people, then great. If my exit does not interest people, that is fine as well".
Yes, a mere lowly "contributor" then you go on to enumerate insights that most of us never knew. I'd say you are the most prolific writer on this DB. C'mon... no one here is going to castigate you for setting up boundaries with me or anyone else.The vast majority will respect whatever level of involvement you choose. But please don't blow smoke up our a$$ feigning incompetence.
The above focus of my time and energy precludes any more time elsewhere. I hope and believe that several very experienced ex-JWs will step forward to assist you should you decide to move forward with some Exit Plan site for lifelong JWs. Thanks again for some good and healthy exchanges".
The first sentence of your last paragraph was the answer to my challenge. Again, written in classical Brooklyn rhyme and meter, "the real answer is hidden in the back of the magazine in 'Questions from Readers'".
Amazing, I yank your chain a little bit because I admire you. I have followed DB's on and off since '95 and I've never met anyone with your particular gifts. I have my own and am satisfied with myself. Perhaps my experience as an entrepaneur in pegging people as soon as possible as it relates to tasks to accomplish has excited me a little too much to tempt you with a more formal hands on involvement. Perhaps my insights have unnerved you a little. That's what I do and it has served me well. I'm a watcher, a student of people. However, I do want to take this particular opportunity to extend a sincere apology if any of my statements have crossed some unethical line.
Again, I respect your boundaries. If you ever change your mind.... send me an e-mail. I wouldn't mind bantering ideas with you privately sometime.
