Are JW EX elders in need of our contempt or sympathy ? (page 3)

JRK

OTWO,

You were of the 20 percent that were "good People."

JK

sizemik

The question tends to blanket "Elders" together.

My own experience involved being an MS for 18 years. Three times I was "invited" onto the BOE but declined. In all three instances (3 different congos), the Elder body displayed all the worst traits possible. They were generally competitive, ego-driven, judgemental, interfering, cold hearted pricks. I would have been a fool to join in the goings on as a participant. I took a Book Study for 7 years as an MS and gave over 200 Public Talks. Many of my MS collegues were flat out brown-tonguing to get appointed. When they did they took on the same persona with relish.

The last congregation I was in seemed much better. I eventually acquiesed after a fourth invitation and it was the worst thing I ever did. I served for three months before beginning my exit from the cult for good. During that three months two other Elders came to blows over who should be PO.

In my 26 years I remember just one brother who seemed to be genuinely motivated in his love for others. Maybe my experience isn't typical, but the Elder arrangement was one that I developed complete disdain for. I felt it turned otherwise kind and generous people into self-motivated ego-driven despots.

Are JW EX Elders in need of our contempt or Sympathy? . . . neither. The cult theology and culture more often brings the worst out of men in that capacity. That three months remains my greatest cause for shame. An Ex-Elder is the best kind IMO.

eruption

Really good points Sizemik, I find it difficult to be objective when discussing Elders, as I endured years of persecution at thier hands. It was only when my marriage to a pioneer ended, that she finally admitted that what I had suffered was appaling.(up until that point her LOYALTY !!! to the organisation,prevented her from supporting me), and I let her give up work, whilst I worked like a dog so she could fullfil her amition to pioneer.

After experiencing difficulties in my marriage, I was assigned an Elder to help. I came back from work to find the (kindly) elder and my wife in the process of emtying my home stealing my belongings. Yes for 6 months I had been a fool, she stole my money cleared out my accounts, and was leaving.

perhaps that explanation explains the trouble I have in remaining objective and impartial, when disscussing the E word

punkofnice

In all honesty I don't believe I ever fitted with the negative image description here, of elders. All differ.

I was born into the cult! I didn't figure it was just a money making business with brand loyalty to their brand name god!

I honestly wanted to shepherd the flock without all those childish letters from WTB$HQ (which I see now were designed to avoid lawsuits at the expense of the 'flock').

There are many a powertripping elder and they remain in power no matter if they actually believe it's the 'truth' (TM) or not. They wouldn't get that level of power other than in a cult.

It was being an elder that finally woke me up. The wizard of Oz was just a man too!

I applaud those that wake up and leave and feel sorry for those that still believe but want to be REAL shepherds. They are the underdog elders that get sh1t on by the power trippers.

elderelite

Eruption, that truly was an ugly thing. i hope you find peace

eruption

Intresting photo that Mr punk, In my case I wish i,d got the FLOCK out of there quicker !!!

On a different note, Were you ever into the Stranglers ? totally fab band even without Hugh Cornwall

jeckle

wow dude that really sucks.At least you're out now. On a side note I like sizemike's comments,punk's and elderlites'. The reason being that all of what they have said but also I think seeing and hearing their stories from their angle knowing what they knew; gave to me more proof it was a cult.

punkofnice

@Eruption = Not totally into the Stranglers but that was my era. I preferred the Sex Pistols, the Clash and later on Secret Affair and currently like the 1st Towers of London album Blood Sweat and Towers, especially the track 'F**K It Up'. It reminds me of the watchtower.

sizemik

I applaud those that wake up and leave and feel sorry for those that still believe but want to be REAL shepherds. They are the underdog elders that get sh1t on by the power trippers.

I tend to agree with punkofnice here . . . from their posts and expressions, the ex-Elders who have identified themselves on this forum are among the good ones . . . which is probably exactly why they're here.

I would revise my earlier statement also, that I can only remember one loving shepherd . . . there were a few others, but they often didn't last. A couple of Elders from other congo's, whom I'd known for many years, would be in fairly constant contact about the issues they were dealing with. They were often very distressed and upset about matters. I could sense the stress they were constantly under and they toiled away for years dealing with the same old shit . . . it's heartbreaking to recall. One even cried over the phone. I guess that accounted for my distancing.

I recall one particular congo that was awful. The CO used to accompany me on prison visits (which I was assigned). He once stated "I dont know what the answer is regarding that bully and his Jezebel wife, not to mention that idiot that follows him around." He was talking about the PO and his wife and his "hatchet man" Elder buddy . . . to me, an MS! He said he couldn't be bothered with it . . . "I should be retired anyway"

During the early 90's I became ill and needed an operation. Being on National Health, I had to wait 14 months. During that time I did a Business Management Diploma. The education I received on leadership and people management would have helped some Elders immeasurably. It actually employed some very loving principles. I honestly feel that was a big part of the problem . . . lack of training and educating.

flipper

Your thread question is based on an either/or situation , black and white reasoning- it's either THIS or that. Contempt OR Sympathy. I feel it's much more involved than that. Very good thread by the way.

I feel exiting elders or elders who are having doubts about the organization should be shown sympathy and support in seeing how they can suiccessfully exit the organization. They DO deserve sympathy as they are victims of mind control- just as the other 7 million JW's are. I believe the " contempt " should be aimed at the leaders of the WT society for deceiving not only elders, but the ENTIRE group of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Now if a currently serving elder is shown the fallacies of the WT organization and refuses to leave based on that knowledge - I still feel " symapthy " for his mind controlled mental condition - however I feel " contempt " towards the pollution put into his mind by the WT leaders. I don't feel contempt towards JW's in general- just contempt towards the indoctrination methods. And I feel contempt towards HOW elders ignorant decisions based on those indoctrination methods destroy people's lives.

So if I have to answer the question as phrased - I feel sympathy towards mind controlled elders, but contempt towards HOW they have been manipulated. Hope I'm making sense. LOL ! Peace out, Mr. Flipper

Are JW EX elders in need of our contempt or sympathy ?

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