A poignant comment on JWsurvey.org from a nonJW regarding Sparlock

by cedars 46 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  sizemik

  NC . . . I agree with your post.

  I know there is at least one book (sorry--I didn't google yet) that teaches you how to teach a child critical thinking. So focus on that----not the particulars of the religion. Give him the skills to HONESTLY come to his own conclusions through his own abilities.

  This one is good (recommended to me by Black Sheep).

  You can pick it up in p/b at Amazon for 6 bucks.

  http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Your-Child-How-Think/dp/0140238301

  And KS . . . I don't think this was being recommended as a magic bullet re the current problem . . . but it will solve it, and any others moving forward. It's the best thing any Grandmother can do for a child . . . anywhere, anytime.
• 

  King Solomon

  Sizemik said;

  And KS . . . I don't think this was being recommended as a magic bullet re the current problem . . . but it will solve it and any others moving forward. It's the best thing any Grandmother can do for a child . . . anywhere, anytime.

  Yeah, I agree: the book looks great! And it would've been nice if GM had read it BEFORE raising her own daughter, as she's in a cult...

  Just remember, the kid in question is only 3: at this point, watching ANYTHING, including cartoons or Sesame Street, is educational. Unless he's a wunderkind, he's probably just starting to read/write, and learning to apply principles of logical analysis in order to identify and reject fallacious arguments is still quite a few years away. Practically speaking, he probably won't even be able to leave until he's a self-sufficient (in my case, I left in my late teens).

  As Steve2 said, this is "moral panic". (Steve's a a clinical psychologist armed with a PhD: sounds like worthy credentials to offer advice).

  (PS aside from "moral panic", other acceptable answers would include: Chinese Fire Drill, Much Ado About Nuttin', Tempest in Teapot, Drama Queenery).
• 

  nuthouse escapee
• 

  rip van winkle

  Leslie, I understand. You are speechless!
• 

  sizemik

  As Steve2 said, this example is called "moral panic".... Steve's a a clinical psychologist armed with a PhD: sounds like credible advice to me....

  Really? . . . Steve's a clinical psychologist "armed" with a PhD?, well I never knew that LOL. I'm glad you were here to tell me . . . those things can be lethal.

  (Aside from "moral panic", other acceptable answers that the judges would accept include: Chinese Fire Drill, Much Ado About Nuttin', Tempest in Teapot, Drama Queenery, plus many more).

  So these "judges" . . . you and Steve (with the PhD), I presume?

  All I draw out of the discussion is a range views and advice . . . some good (yes, including Steve's [we go back a while BTW]), some questionable. So question it . . . without kicking the table over. It's the self-appointed "judges" throwing all the labels and insults around on a thread they regard as "much ado about nothing" that sticks out as intriguing.

  You're either very young or have unresolved issues of your own.
• 

  nuthouse escapee

  (haha RIP just the dreaded blank post)

  I have great sympathy for the grandmother. It is hard not to say, "do what you can to unindoctrinate the grandchild ", knowing what we know about the WT and its damaging effects. As was pointed out it is the parents choice how to raise their child, whether we agree or not. If the shoe were on the other foot and it was the grandmother who was the JW we would tell her to butt out. It may not be fair but unless there is a law aginst it there really is not much she can do. Trying to approach her daughter to 'gently' reason with her is probably her best option. To confront her outrightly will only put up the wall and reinforce her belief that this must be the truth because I was told I would be opposed. A really heart-breaking situation for all involved. Leslie
• 

  jwfacts

  steve2, like usual, you throw a curveball, but it is quite valid what you say.

  Giordano that is a very interesting comment about the relationship of the mother and grandmother. It could make things hard.

  lisaBObeesa I'd tell the child, "Oh honey, magic isn't real. Magic is only pretend. You don't need to worry about it!"

  I think what Lisa said is the prefect thing to say to the child, and that is about where it ends.

  The more important thing that the grandmother can do is try to help the mother before she gets too involved, and that is the thing to help guide the grandmother through. However, if Giordano is correct, maybe the grandmother does not have a good enough relationship with the mother to be able to be respected and help.
• 

  NewChapter

  KS, I get that the child is only 3, but he's not going to be 3 forever, and ideas can be introduced to children as their age dictates. I don't think the grandmother should talk against the parent's religion, or even say anything contradictory to it----but just to focus on teaching the child to question. She doesn't have to target the religion---just life in general. This would not violate boundaries, nor would it be assuring a particular outcome (which would be violating boundaries) but just teaching the child a skill for life. JW's never even need to be mentioned.

  If Sesame Street and Loony Tunes were enough---half of America wouldn't believe in Creation. It would seem that a bit more effort and focus is needed.
• 

  slimboyfat

  Steve you elevate the rights of a mother over a child almost to a sacred principle. I am not saying it is wrong as a general principle but what is your basis for it and where are its limits in your view? We allow the state to remove the rights of a mother for example. Is the state always a more competant actor than a grandmother?
• 

  cedars

  jwfacts

  The more important thing that the grandmother can do is try to help the mother before she gets too involved, and that is the thing to help guide the grandmother through.

  Thanks, this sums my view up perfectly.

  Cedars