Please explain why the elders are doing this to us

by label licker 33 Replies latest social physical

  • Odrade
    Odrade

    Sorry this is happening to you. The only advice I have is to remind yourself over and over that you have no obligation to discuss anything with them. If they knock on your door, you have no obligation to answer it, even if they can see you inside. You don't have to talk on the phone with them, or respond to any other method of contact.

    They make you feel like you have to meet them on their terms, but you don't. I know it seems an obvious thing to say, but sometimes we have to say it out loud.

    When my husband and I were leaving (well over 10 years ago,) they tried really hard to maintain contact, one time even opening my door and walking into my house uninvited when my husband wasn't home. Unfortunately for them, I'm not easily intimidated, and stood my ground (in the entry way,) while this brain-dead drone elder cried his crocodile tears and declared his intention to help me in spite of whatever ideas my husband was filling my head with. AS IF!!!

    But we just refused to give them any response at all, unless it was on our terms.

    Early on, somebody on this forum told me not to be above using their own stick to beat them with. That was the best advice I got, and made me unafraid to point out that it was unscriptural of them to corner me without the presence and support of my "spiritual head." I also realized that they had to get the words to come out of my own mouth, OR they had to have two verifiable accusers/witnesses to any offenses I'd commit, AND those offenses had to be major sins, or else there was absolutely nothing they could do, judicially. Questioning is not a major sin, it is just a concern.

    We were also warned not to answer their loyalty type questions if we did decide to converse with them, and so never made that mistake.

    Just keep reminding yourselves that you have the right to control the circumstances of them interacting with you.

  • Aunt Fancy
    Aunt Fancy

    How are things going Label? I hope you were able to stop the accusations and slander. We have had an elder call and some drop by the week the CO was here. The CO himself stopped by but we chose not to answer the door or phone. We are a year faded and I have no idea what they are saying about us and at this point I don't care anymore. As a matter of fact I had some sisters stop by today and again I chose not to answer the door. I hope you are doing well and you are getting back to fading successfully.

  • Amelia Ashton
    Amelia Ashton

    Hope you are ok.

    I am a 4 year fader and for the first 3 years dreaded that knock on the door.

    I really feel for you and hope the harrassment stops soon.

  • Mellow
    Mellow

    My fleshly brother has been going through a similar thing. Last time the elders randomly called round as soon as he opened the door they walked in and said "are we having a cup of tea then?" I was there and all I wanted to say was "WTF?!" Just so happened we were having a nice quiet evening (although I was well and truly souped up on half a bottle of Jack Daniels) and we didn't want disturbing especially by elders wanting the low down on why they hadn't been to meetings in 6 months. My bro said he couldn't discuss it with them because if he did he would be kicked out for apostasy. You can't go quietly, you get shunned either way man. You are on their database and you are marked. It's well and truly messed up.

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