by taoInitiate 11 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Over here they seem to be major busy bodies and they feel as if they have to police the youth and everyones actions. You don`t have a personal life you are told what to do and MUST abide by the rules!
Yeah Freddie, why didnt we all join the Italian or Spanish Congregations?
Beans
Wow, Freddi that's a weird situation, in fact it has shocked me...
When I was saying that our elders were a bit more laid back, I didn't mean that there were different standards. It strikes me as odd that there can be such a wide gap in standards between close congregations.
Here in Australia if you're DFed you ARE DF'ED! It doesn't matter how near to home it is. (At least that's my experience; in fact, it seems to be worse the further the word has spread!)
So, things seem quite different, once again.
Some have already mentioned the proximity to Bethel explanation. I was myself going to comment on this, if I didn't get much response. I think that having the BIG HQ in your country has to make everyone slightly more "hard-line" and I think it's probably more this, than culture, that explains any harder attitude in the USA.
Just a comment on the multi-cultural-ness that Path brought up. I don't think it's the diversity of a Cong. that determines its attitude. Australia has some of the most diverse congregations IN THE WORLD. In fact Melbourne & Sydney are 2 of the most multicultural cities in the world, and that's reflected in the Congs in those cities. I definately agree with you that the Body of Elders sets the tone for the Congregation. In fact I think it's the body of elders that determines the entire feel of the Cong.
taoInit
Just thinkin' out loud...
