Thanks again to everyone who responded. Forgive my naievete –– I have spent a bit of time on the forum, and am wondering if there are many active JWs who post here? I've had a great response from ex-JWs, but am also looking to speak to a few more people still actively involved in the church.
Looking to speak to current & ex-JWs in Australia
by nomoreklondikes 33 Replies latest jw friends
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nomoreklondikes
Hi Oz, thanks for your post. I'm trying to write a general piece on JWs for a general audience. Looking at what everyday life in the church is like, what JWs believe and are expected to do in terms of service to the church, as well as the experiences of some people who have left the church (this thread has helped me find a few great ex-JWs to talk to).
I know from reading on here that a lot of people have had negative experiences in the church, and I want to relate some of those experiences as honestly as possible. But I also want to hear from people still active in the church, and talk to them about their faith and involvement in with JWs. I came to this article not knowing much about JWs, and I think a lot of general readers are unfamiliar with what they believe, so I'm hoping to give an overview of their beliefs and way of life in the article (as best I can).
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brinjen
Not many active members on here. There are a few who defend the JW's but not sure if any are in Australia or if they are still active members.
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Jeffro
JWs are told they should not particpate on forums about their religion, though some do.
The Watchtower, 15 July, 2011 (formatting added):
What is involved in avoiding false teachers? We do not receive them into our homes or greet them. We also refuse to read their literature, watch TV programs that feature them, examine their Web sites, or add our comments to their blogs.
Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2009 (formatting of opening question from original, other formatting added):
Does “the faithful and discreet slave” endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?—Matt. 24:45, 47.
No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects. ... They have created Web sites and chat rooms for the purpose of exchanging and debating their views. ... Thus, “the faithful and discreet slave” does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.You may have some trouble finding active JWs online who are willing to talk frankly about their religion. You could visit a local Kingdom Hall, though you will be love bombed, and will probably be offered a 'free home Bible study', which is an indoctrination programme using their literature with the goal of making you a member. You will be told there is 'no obligation', however if you accept a 'Bible study' but do not 'progress to baptism', don't expect to maintain any close friendships with them.
Our Kingdom Ministry, March 2003 (formatting added):
During the past service year, an average of over 463,000 home Bible studies were conducted each month in the United States. In time, many of these students will progress to the point of dedication and baptism. However, before they reach that goal, we need to help them to qualify as publishers of the good news.
Our Kingdom Ministry, April 2001 (formatting added):
Your goal is to help the student achieve greater insight into the truth, qualify as an unbaptized publisher, and become a dedicated and baptized Witness of Jehovah.
Following their Bible study programme also means spending more time with them and less time with other 'former' friends.
Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education, p. 189 (formatting added):
As Bible students progress, they may feel an emotional void because of not spending as much time with former associates.
If you make it clear that you are only there for research, some members will probably suggest you speak to an 'elder' about their beliefs. Some may suggest that you visit their website, jw.org (the official website does not provide any chat/forum/e-mail functionality). Many will suggest that the 'best' way to learn about them is by accepting a 'Bible study'.
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Black Sheep
But I also want to hear from people still active in the church, and talk to them about their faith and involvement in with JWs.
You will get a whitewashed version of the reality. Are you aware of high controls groups common policies of justifiable dishonesty, e.g. 'Fair Game' for the Moonies? The Watchtower used to talk about 'Theocratic Warfare'. Modern day JWs may deny they teach that any more, but all they have done is dropped the name while still teaching the concept. The usual wording for cults is along the lines of, 'Withholding the truth from those that don't deserve it.' I have JW family members that try this with me whenever they paint themselves into a corner.
JWs really want to not look like whacko doomsday cult members, so pretend that they don't have cult-like rules and practices and Harold Camping type prophetic failures. They use examples that don't appear to fit the cult stereotype, but they do it by missing out relevent information, or using language that leads you to believe one thing, while to them it means something else. It doesn't fool me because I know their history, doctrines, rules & practices better than most JWs do, but they can fool journos nearly every time because they do not suspect that Christians who pride themselves on their high moral standards would trick them.
When a JW answers a question, take the time to ask yourself, "Did he realy answer the question that I asked?". If he didn't, ask the same question without rephrasing it. The longer he takes answering your question, the more likely it is that he has used a subtle, (or maybe even blatant), change of subject to divert your attention away from your original question.
Good luck
Chris (Ex Qld)
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3Mozzies
Pete has finished his article on the JWs.
↑ from that page promoting the magazine/paper:↑
"Pete Nicholson’s ‘In the Belly of Jehovah’ is an exceptional and carefully-researched investigative essay into the presence of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Australia that tops out at 12,700 words. Did someone say “longreads”? Who cares, we’re too busy basking in the excellence of these pieces of writing."
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nomoreklondikes
The piece will be posted online in 4-6 weeks. Will post the link to it here then.
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smiddy
Looks interesting , I will keep an eye out for it .
smiddy
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Iown Mylife
OH BOY i cannot wait to see this article - thanks for the info!
Marina
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Julia Orwell
Gold coaster here, would be happy to talk.