For now...all hope has faded

by outsmartthesystem 21 Replies latest jw friends

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  outsmartthesystem

  My wife asked me if I believe that Christ came to power in 1914. Sadly this question shows how little she knows even about her own religion as she knows the heart of my problems with the society start with the 607 BC debacle. Obviously no 607 means no 1914. Alas....the conversation eventually morphed and it got to the point where I decided to ask her a point blank question.

  What would it take to get you to realize that your religion is false? You've admitted that the leaders have made predictions that didn't come true in the name of God. You've seen examples of quoting out of context, outright lies, flip flops of doctrine back to a previously held point of view (even though there is a WT that says they've never done that), blatant hypocrisy, hiding of pedophiles, association with the United Nations etc etc. So.......is there anything the GB could do to make you change you view of them?

  She responded that the only thing they could do is change a deeply entrenched doctrine. I responded by explaining that in her lifetime....."generation" went from those that saw the events of 1914 unfold also seeing the "end" to a composite era of overlapping lives. First and foremost....she looked at me like I had a third eye. She had no idea this is what she currently "believes". Secondly she said that would have to do some "research" on that but even if I am right......she would chalk it up to "light getting brighter". So I said....."so in reality....entrenched doctrine CAN change....but so long as it is passed off as increased light....you'll accept it?" She said "of course". So I asked again......"is there anything at all that the GB could do to raise a red flag?" Her response? "NO! ANYTHING at all that they do or say must be approved by Jehovah regardless of whether or not I understand it or approve it"

  Folks.......it is this type of control that makes people drink poisoned kool aid. I am mortified to learn that my wife would be first in line
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  Lozhasleft

  I know it seems hopeless, but I was even more entrenched than your wife, honestly! It took some cruelty and a fair time to consider the evidence, but finally I did see it. I've even shocked myself at the way I view the WTBS these days, so don't give up, keep trying, chipping away slowly might be the way forward.

  Loz x
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  wasblind

  Sorry to hear that

  The sad fact is , you can't save everyone from the WTS, even the ones you love

  you have to learn to cope the best way you can
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  Finkelstein

  The WTS's doctrines were and are intensionally entrench in lies and corruption because it was always a publishing house.

  The movement of dates around and change of proclamations, is to incite attention to the WTS's published works and to keep

  those whom they've mentally indoctrinated to distribute their publications publicly.

  In reality JWS are being shaped and molded to be the WTS's sales representatives.

  This is the main psychological working of this organization, to lure people in and then exploit them for work and money,

  all the while cultivating a semblance of empowerment to a select few men.

  It is a religious businesses if you like where there is a pyramid statue of power leading up to the head executive editorial writers the GB

  of the WTS. Power and money is their game and they are on a agenda to keep it flowing toward themselves.
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  breakfast of champions

  Yikes! Sorry hear that. The thought control runs deep and strong. It's a big job trying to reach the real person beneath the cult personality. Just don't give up! Slow and steady. . .
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  DT

  It's a difficult situation, but you got your wife to admit and verbalize an absurd position. If you give it some time, it may start to bother her.
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  Dagney

  You cannot argue with faith. You can try reason, present facts in the hopes of a open minded exchange, but it will crash and burn with a believer. The eyes of the faithful only glowingly see what they want to see.

  But we were all there once, and something clicked and all bets were off. Many on here have succeeded in bringing their mates out...so do not lose hope. There may be that one thing that resonates and will trigger a doubt or question.

  Wishing you strength and all the best.
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  InterestedOne

  My JW acquaintance said to me, "even if they're wrong, I would still want to be part of this organization."
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  ammo

  Thats funny you say that interested one, My last study teacher said the same thing, just goes to show people really are only interested in their own truth, even if it ain't the truth!
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  Ding

  So I asked again......"is there anything at all that the GB could do to raise a red flag?" Her response? "NO! ANYTHING at all that they do or say must be approved by Jehovah regardless of whether or not I understand it or approve it"

  There are a couple of ways you might approach this.

  Approach #1:

  Ask her, "How come? How do we know that is true?"

  When she answers that question, ask her, "How come? How do we know THAT is true?"

  Whenever she replies, keep asking that question.

  At some point, she will run out of responses.

  Most likely, she will get annoyed and end the conversation, but you will be planting seeds and MAYBE someday she will come to see that the whole thing is built on circular reasoning and that she believes it because she has been told it over and over -- hardly a good reason for anyone to accept anything as truth.

  Approach #2:

  Sometimes people can see better if it's not THEIR religion under discussion.

  Ask her, "Suppose you were witnessing to a Catholic at the door and asked him/her, "Is there anything at all that the Pope and cardinals could do to raise a red flag?" and got the response: "NO! ANYTHING at all that they do or say must be approved by God regardless of whether or not I understand it or approve it"

  What would she say to try to show that person that his/her answer makes no sense?