Was I too harsh? (page 5)

neverscreamagain

Welcome chrisuk!

Go slow with your mother, the last thing that you want her to do is put up barriers between you two.

Congrats on doing your research before being sucked in!

Thanks again for all the replies. Just an update: The elder I studied with came round yesterday, I invited him in for a coffee and we had a chat about life in general, then! He offered me a watchtower, I can't remember which one, and he also offered me an awake about halloween. I said thanks but no thanks and explained if I wanted read on any given subject I'd research it my self on the internet. He then told me I was always welcome at the KH and told me that people still asked about me and sent their regards, I really can't believe all this shit after the email I sent. Anyway I told him that I still stand by the email I sent and nothing has changed in that regard, I also added that with the amount of things I've learnt about the watctower and it's history even if I wanted to go back to studying I wouldn't be able to, he promptly said "well I'm not discussing anything you may have learnt on the internet unless it's bible based, I'm only prepared to discuss whats in the bible" Which I thought was ironic.

He left and that was that, well until next time! I'm thinking of emailing him a link to combating cult mind control on amazon, is that a good idea?

LisaRose

I would, it appears he has a plenty thick skin, it takes some nerve to come by after that email.

I have asked twice to be put on the do not call list plus I called the Kingdom Hall and left a message. They still come by. I work from my house and don't need the interruptions. I tried just not answering the door, but they are good about the not at homes, so they keep coming back. I once told them that I skipped college because the Awake said I wouldn't have time for a career in this system. I told them I was 58, at the end of my career, so it was obviously very bad advice, then I shut the door in their face. That seemed to just encourage them, they sent the elders after me. I opened the door and I could tell they were commenting on my Christmas wreath, obviously shocked and offended. I was clear that I am very happy to NOT be a JW. I don't know what else to do, but I am sick of it.

I have decided if they come again I am going to do a reverse witness and ask the hard questions.

never a jw

You have no idea what harsh is until you see my e-mails to two elders in my wife's congregation. You won't see them! That's how harsh they are

Your letter was firm and respectful. Just the way it should have been.

Funny that he said he would only discussed Bible based stuff. Isn't the Watchtower literature, according to JW's, bible based. If their literature is bible based and everything that apostates talk about is Watchtower teachings in their litearature, then apostates are talking about only Bible based stuff. Isn't that right??

3rdgen

Welcome Chris! Congrats on doing the research BEFORE you took the irrevokable step of baptism. Your letter was perfect. It's "John"who needs help figuring out what no means. You are wise not to talk to mom about anything JW for awhile. Doing so could cause her to defend it so much she decides to join!!! Remember too, no matter how nice "John" is he is a cult member. He is programmed to recrute you and your mother at any cost. In his mind he is saving you from yourselves. He has already proved this by completely ignoring your letter. He is on a mission now. As a JW he has been taught that HIS salvation depends on his warning others. He probably actually cares about you and doesn't want to see you die. Read hassans books ASAP and be careful. BTW, IMO you were smart not to give reasons in your letter. As the poster said, if he asks why, have him guess. Then let him keep guessing. Brilliant!

chrisuk

Thank you for the replies, it's good of you all. I've been thinking one sure way I could get rid of the JW's is to email a few of the elders a boat load of information off JWFacts.com & Also email the same information along with my address & the cong I attended to the London headquaters. I figure that would keep them away, but then that could also cause them to turn my mom against me.

3rdgen

Not a good idea Chris. The place to vent is HERE. You are right, they can easily drive a wedge between you and your mother and you could find yourself homeless .Don't forget this is a cult your dealing with. Dumping facts on them is not only useless but dangerous in your case. Why not email John and the Elders a copy of a Restraining order. These jerks are harrassing you.

chrisuk

Thanks 3rdgen. I know sending them facts is pointless and dangerous, but I get frustrated with them. Today I was walking my dog and 2 female JW's from the same cong I attended as a study approached me and offered me magazines. That got on my nerves as I clearly stated I didn't want that to happen in the e-mail I sent to the elder. I think some of the frustration is also from my own thoughts, Sometimes I think perhaps they have got things right and I could have a nice life if I joined them. I think that perhaps if I could get back to studying and keep to it that things could work out rather well. Then the logical part of my brain kicks in and I remember all their false teachings, and their controlling ways and I also think how they go against Jesus' commands.

I know all that sounds weird but even though I was never baptized I guess I'm still indoctrinated to some degree.

rebel8

Obviously you have been even nicer than you had to be, no problem there.

I recommend asking the elder and the street preachers, "I have made clear my wishes. I have been respectful of you and I am wondering if you can tell me the reason for not being respectful of my request?"

Keep repeating the question until you get an answer. It will go something like this:

houders: "Oh Chris you know we care about you blah blah blah and we just thought maybe you'd had a change of heart blahbety blah."

you: "Do you understand I have asked you to stop all religious contact with me?"

hounders: [some evasive answer]

you: "Do you understand I have asked you to stop all religious contact with me?"

hounders: "Well...err....yes"

you: "Then I have made clear my wishes. I have been respectful of you and I am wondering if you can tell me the reason for not being respectful of my request?"

hounders: "Well the bible tells us to try to save our friends blah blah Armageddon blah encourage lost sheep blah zzzZZZzzz. If I as your friend was about to fall off a mountain wouldn't you warn me about the danger and try to convince me not to take more steps toward the cliff?"

you: "I understand you believe that once a person of the age of reason has made a decision in his heart about being a jw--as I recall you refer to it as being the chaff, a goat, or on the broad path--then the aim of the preaching work has been achieved in regards to that person. That aim is to give jehovah a chance to judge what's in his heart. I again state my request for you to stop all religious contact with me, permanently. Are you willing to honor that request?"

If they say no then say you are disappointed to hear that, as you thought they were polite people. You will check into legal means to get them to leave you alone if they persist, and you hope it will not come to that, so you encourage them to honor your request.

chrisuk

Thank you Rebel8. That should definitely do the trick

Was I too harsh?

Share this