by losingit 12 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
He writes, "A person who actively participates in his own punishment will come to believe he deserves it." (61)
My question: if I actively participate in my own disfellowshipping byfollowing along with the practice of shunning (not greeting, not raising hand at meeting to comment, showing up to go out in service, no conversations at all with JWs) does that effectively men that I condone and accept the punishment rendered by the elders? Wht constitutes acceptance of that punishment?
Accept Christ as your only authority and you'll know what to do with their punishment.
I don'tgo to the meetings anymore. But Im wondering how far one has to go to reverse the punishment in their own mind.
For example, I emailed a JW that was a client of mine about a new product. She wrote back. I was surprised. When I responded to her request, she ended her reply with "love u."
Then there is the case of the sister who gave me study. A loved one passed awayrecently and she responded to my fb post.
What am Isupposed to do with these signs of affection? I want to respond, but how cautious should i be? Feels like a tricky situation. But why should it be when i desire to be free?
Hi losingit, Why are you afraid to respond to signs of affection from JWs? What did you do wrong? You have done nothing wrong. The WTBTS indoctrinated you with phobias for years about how a Df'ed person is suppose to feel and behave.
To be truely free of the WTBTS you must stop playing by its rules. Stop using cult-speak. Treat people with respect, honesty, and compassion. Over time you will become aware of more of the WTBTS induced phobias in your mind and be ablle to overcome them more easily.
You are a good person so treat JWs as if you are a good person and have nothing to be ashamed of.
Peace be with you and everyone, who you love,
Robert
He writes, "A person who actively participates in his own punishment will come to believe he deserves it." (61)
My question: if I actively participate in my own disfellowshipping byfollowing along with the practice of shunning (not greeting, not raising hand at meeting to comment, showing up to go out in service, no conversations at all with JWs) does that effectively men that I condone and accept the punishment rendered by the elders? Wht constitutes acceptance of that punishment?
You are right of course. After my DF'ing, I told my family still-ins that I would not play the game. I never did. I never gave a JW the opportunity to shun me, I totally blanked them and still do so. Sometimes I am approached by them, in which case I'm polite. If they bring up the subject of JW-ism, I politely say that it's not something that I wish to discuss. If they ask if I'm disfellowshipped, I tell them that I have never sat before a judicial committee.
losingit: What am I supposed to do with these signs of affection? I want to respond, but how cautious should i be? Feels like a tricky situation. But why should it be when i desire to be free?
Act like a normal person would. Unless you're trying to get reinstated, you can't go wrong with that!
I follow the Road House motto: " I want you to be nice until it's time to not be nice. " I also appreciate Perry's comment about Christ being your only boss, and Tim Hooper's comment abouy not playing the game. I told the Elder's that I am done with back room meetings, and that I will be loyal to anyone who is loyal to Christ's teachings. Also, I do not pledge my allegiance to any man or group of men, or the organization. The WTBTS even says that the Corporation is just a tool, nothing more. So even though they choose to violate their own writings by persecuting ones who disagree with the Organization, you can still point out what they have said on the matter. You can be nice while doing it!
I say be honest and nice. Wisdom is proven righteous by it's works. If they hate you for being honest and want to DF you, fine. Just don't show up. It's on them, they will be held responsible for what they do. The best they can get from me is conditional association. Devotion is out of the question.
I would just not participate with the arrangement. Doing so would be validating it. On some things it doesn't matter, like microphones. If the Elders say that you can't do it, fine. Fighting it would just bring more heat on you. In something BIG, like JC stuff, just ignore them.
Why are you afraid to respond to signs of affection from JWs? What did you do wrong? You have done nothing wrong. The WTBTS indoctrinated you with phobias for years about how a Df'ed person is suppose to feel and behave.
To be truely free of the WTBTS you must stop playing by its rules. Stop using cult-speak. Treat people with respect, honesty, and compassion. Over time you will become aware of more of the WTBTS induced phobias in your mind and be ablle to overcome them more easily.
You are a good person so treat JWs as if you are a good person and have nothing to be ashamed of.
Robert-- So many times you have responded to me and to others on this post, and I am always touched by your genuine empathy and concern.
To answer your question... back then I walked around ashamed. I was truly a "disfellowshipped" person in that I accepted the punishment and believed in the punishment. I had just started making the attempt to turn around that frame of mind so that I could enjoy my day. There are many JWs around where I live, and I didn't want to be hiding in my own neighborhood.
Now, things are quite different. The other day, I was on my way to work. As I was about to enter the building, a sister from the congregation I last attended walked out. I said, "Hey! How are you?!" with absolutely no hesitation, with the enthusiasm of seeing an old friend. I even walked towards her with open arms. Then it hit me! And I said, "Oh..." She heard the change in my voice and replied, "I know... But come over here and give me a hug anyways. It is good to see you." I gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Then she kept on walking her way, and I went inside the building.
Things have changed in my mentality I am no longer "disfellowshipped." I am just ME.
Good for you losingit!! :)
Thanks ILTATT! My reaction was instantaneous, so I know it was real. Definite progress in getting rid of those WT shackles :-)
