Where did the Buzz go?

by snugglebunny 14 Replies latest jw friends

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  zeb

  "The past is different they do things differently there".. anon.
  

  and we never had the web either.
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  Bonsai

  I remember when the quick builds were fun as well. It was exciting for the locals to be a part of it even if they didn't have any particularly useful skills. Now it's all regulated and business-like.
  
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  Absalom

  I think another thing that changed was taking food service out of assemblies and conventions. It seemed like those times where everyone could help out. It was a great way to meet new people. Nowadays, if you dont spiritually qualify for service, you can only volunteer to clean with your congo. No one mingles anymore, its just people talking to people they already know. There is no real love.
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  WTWizard

  I noticed the change around late 1993. Seems the congregation gatherings were discontinued. This persisted into 1994 and 1995, and ultimately the food was taken away. No more burritos at the Great Boasting Session, nor any more of those Egg McMuffin ripoffs. Not even roast beef sandwiches. If you want to eat now, you are going to have to find a grocery store with something to eat, or something that will keep for three days at room temperature.

  I can only bet what they are going to do when the financial collapse becomes reality. They will view that as a sign that the great tribulation has begun, or is about to. I believe a lot of those who listen most to the Filthful and Disgraceful Slavebugger are going to be hurt most. No more donations--your pay will not be revalued when the dollar does become toilet paper, yet your donation pledge will be. Of course, the control will be worse, and stagnation will be even worse than it already is. And, if you are a "brother" 23 or older, and had a break in your service as an assistant hounder or higher since you turned 23 (did not get appointed, got deleted for a time, etc.), no marriage for you, sucker.

  Hopefully, between the extra stagnation and the dollar becoming toilet paper, that will be the final end of this religion as all the xian religions.
  
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  thedepressedsoul

  It's funny you started this article, I actually wanted to start one on this very topic.

  I agree 100% that JW's have lost their "charm". I think everyone that wrote an article here hit at least one point right. I wasn't around for the 70's 80's but I have noticed that even the 90's charm is no longer there.

  It use to be somewhat exciting. You wondered how bible prophecy would unfold right before your eyes. I think one of the worst things they did to themselves was putting the GB in the lime light. Before, they were mysterious. You thought they were somehow special, knew more than anyone else and really had a direct line of communication. The more they are in the public, the more it is hard to believe. I have even heard hard core witnesses confused and mock Tony's rant for the Branch visit. Any mystery is gone, they know as much as any witness reading the bible. There is no longer nothing special there.

  I also think getting rid of Tuesday meetings caused them to loose a lot of their charm. I remember sitting there, huddled in a small group studying the Revelation book and everyone talking about how the end would come. After the book study people would sit around and talk about world events and who the King of the North was. That all seems to be gone. I rarely hear about the King of the North yet. The "end" is just slipped into talks now and then, it's hardly a focus point anymore. Any conversation about the end is almost forced anymore.

  Door to door has also gotten killed in the last 15 years. No one wants to talk or cares to talk. When they do, you're trying to defend your belief's now and hope they take the magazines at least. Most JW don't even bother anymore when someone brings up points at the door. Heck, more don't leave the hall until 10:30 and then take a break at 11 till 11:45 and do one call before heading back to the hall. The zeal from Joe publisher is gone. When you have one zealous person in the car most get annoyed at them for being so zealous and just want to get it over with.

  Thursday meetings have become a chore and rows of empty seats. You see perfect demo after perfect demo. Nothing that is even close to what happens in the ministry. Most people look like they're falling asleep.

  This religion has an uphill battle. As hard as it may seem I have noticed a lot of JW's who seem to disagree more and more with disfellowshipping. A lot are getting tired of their being a rule on everything and the do's and don'ts.

  It's a weird time to be a JW. Most want to be happy, they want to post pictures on social media about fun they're having. It'll be interesting to see if the GB allows the fun to continue or if they tighten their grip soon.

  I'd also like to add that 1914 is dead in most members mind. I never hear anyone bring it up. I never hear it brought up at the door and I hear witnesses complain when they have to go over it on a study and wish they could just skip it. The most I ever hear about it now is when it's brought up by the GB. They even tried to force it with that 1914 video we had to watch. I have yet to hear anyone doing that in the ministry since that video.