JW's-A religion of convenience

apostate man

Although I have never been a JW, the cover to the book, so to speak, sure looks good. I have noticed many conveniences they thay enjoy:

No Christmas. Not a problem, we'll just have a January party.

Alcohol. Not a problem, use your own judgement on how much is too much.

Apparel Not a problem, dress nice but still look worldly with earings and makeup.

Doctrine Not a problem, with our new light policy our doctrine will eventually meet your needs.

Worship Not a problem, none needed, just knock on some doors and you will have the holy spirit.

Repentance Not a problem, the elders will tell you when to repent.

Study Not a problem, WT will tell you everything you need to know.

Feel free to add any more to the list....

Never been one either...your post has some good observations from our "outsiders" point of view. Along the lines of convenience, comes the security of having all the answers and solutions to life's ...the worlds problems. Speaking of convenience...how about no consequence of unrepentant sin (hell)...just non-existance! WHOOPEEEE!!!!!!!

collegegirl

If it were that simple, this site wouldn't even exist..... I wish it was that simple....

Danielson

SALVATION:Not a problem!Just stay in the fold of the organization and Christ's sacrafice automatically applies to you! DOHHH! I'm in here again! (not actually admitted to but true)

Imbue

Have to disagree with you being a JW is not a convenience.

Think it's easy being weird?

Crazy is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

Danielson

TOUCHE! Imbue!Seeing that this thing would'nt let me edit my previous comment I wanted to be alittle more specific in what I said.Salvation for Jehovah's Witnesses is about as crazy as a dog running after it's tail.JW V.P.(Salvation is a gift from God)BUT (Following this organization run by imperfect men is the only way to RECIEVE THIS GIFT) (Christ died for all on the tree)BUT(The all are only those who recognize and join and follow and BELIEVE THIS IS GOD"S ORGANIZATION)
(God will save the righteous)BUT(The righteous are those who RECOGNIZE,JOIN,FOLLOW,AND BELIEVE THIS IS GOD'S SOLE CHANNEL OF ALL SPIRITUAL TRUTH AND THE ONLY PLACE WHERE SALVATION IS ASSURED!)DUDE!

KistByQpid

Hi Imbue,

No, I can't imagine being a JW is easy at all. I wouldn't say keeping pace with the WT schedule is "convenient" either! I once saw a diagram of the WT's "theocratic organization" and couldn't help but think...ya know, I've seen this MLM/pyramid plan before. Like a sales/marketing plan for "convenient...we've done all the homework for you" kind of spiritual success.

Beck_Melbourne

Hi apostate man

I think its not as easy at it seems. All my childhood I never had a Xmas...and yet my father was an unbeliever. My mother found it 'convenient' and very cost effective to let her righteousness dictate our lives at xmas time. However...when it came time for her to indulge in xmas parties and after work functions...her conscience was clear, as she had an unbelieving husband after all...and she must meet him half way...go figure. I think there is a tendancy to pick and choose when something is convenient or when it is not...it just depended on whether or not you tried to avoid stumbling others. Here's my thoughts on your list:

Alcohol...when does enough become too much? People would stop attending gatherings if alcohol was being served...for fear an incident would happen and their presence would stumble others. So i never found it convenient...i found it a hassle..always worrying about what others thought.

Repentance?? Yes the elders would tell you if they thought u were repentant or not....but what if you're genuine and they don't think you are?? Try grabbing hold of your intestines and ripping them out of your body through the nearest orifice...cos thats what it feels like when you are before a judicial and when you are frightened that you are going to lose everything...not just your life...but also all your friends...your family....your honour!

Worship?? Try dragging your tired ass to the meeting on a cold wet winters night after a full day at work...kids are tired and one has a cold...your husband is taking the theocratic ministry school so you're on your own thru most of the meeting...wiping noses...looking up scriptures...trying not to yawn...trying to smile at the grumpy sister who is annoyed at your son who is absent mindedly kicking the chair in front...it would have been convenient to stay home by the fire reading a smutty novel lol.

New light? I won't even begin to start...oh yes I will. I recall a time when I sat with a sister who had two black eyes from a domestic dispute with her unbelieving husband. This same mad man cut up all her meeting clothes with a pair of scissors. This was not an attempt to stop her from going to the meetings, because he didnt care about the meetings...but it was to humiliate her when she did go to the meetings. I told this sister to leave the SOB and find some happiness....she told the elders....and I was counselled for not offering her scriptural advice which was to stay with him no matter what...until he commits adultery. It was a year later that new light revealed it was now okay to leave one's spouse if one's life is in danger.

Apparel? I've heard it all...from too tight..too short...too long...too colourful...too old fashioned...too modern...too hippie...too feminine...too masculine...TOO BAD!!

Oh i've only just started....

I could go on and on..sorry.

Just my thoughts

Beck

larc

Beck,

I am with you on this one.

For anyone thinks it is an easy life, just spend one month doing what is expected of a Witness. Then, get back to us, and tell us what you think.

Beck, I could go on and on as well. I could lay out the weekly schedule for them, and then they could tell me how "convenient" it is, but I don't want to write any more on this.

TMS

apostate man:

Although I have never been a JW, the cover to the book, so to speak, sure looks good

Actually, the JW grass is not as green as it appears from your vantage, 'postate man.

The opposite of your assertion above is closer to the truth.

Normal functions of life are made less convenient by living as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Schooling, employment, family life, relationships are saddled with the additional burden of conforming to an ever-increasing set of Talmudlike rules.

The thermal pools of Yellowstone National Park appear placid and inviting from the tourist walkway.

TMS

JW's-A religion of convenience

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