I need some assistance!

Kool Jo

I just found out that a co-worker of mine is a ex-JW....she's being pressured to go back to the Khall...she says everytime she goes to visit her family, they're telling her how Jehovah still loves her...blah blah blah...thankfully she has her own apartment!

I do see how her upbringing in the cult has affected her...she's soft and overly kind, but she's a real sweetheart...the down side: people take advantage of her.

Should I tell her that I too am a JW and understands what she's going through with her family or should I just tell her that "spirituality is a personal thing and don't feel guilted into doing something you don't want" ect....the thing is, she talks alot and if I tell her that I'm suppose to be a JW, then the entire workplace will know...

What should I do? My only aim is to have her not feel guilted in going back...she said her family has been trying to get her back in, but she's resisting it...the other issue, her son stays with her JW sister (she didn't disclose why)...and my co-worker tells me that her son is becoming a "JW convert".

Please I need some advice!

Kool Jo

Bloody Hotdogs!

Hey (insert name here). I heard you're having trouble with family due to religious differences. It's sad that this happens in the 21st century! You know, I've had a similar experience. My family is part of a fundamentalist evangelical cult (never mind which one...). They've tried to guilt me into joining/coming back. But you know, I can't bring myself to live that lie - even if it means closer family ties. Living life with as few false ideas as possible is important to me, and probably you too. Do you know what my parent's church teaches? They actually believe in Noah's Flood! My father told me that once upon a time, four thousand years ago, there was a magic floating sky ocean that collapsed onto the earth, killing all life! Can you imagine? Why would I pretend to believe such nonsense at a time when science has proven otherwise? Nope, living that lie is not for me, or you. Don't feel bad, be glad.

Sammy Jenkis

Hi kool jo, maybe she needs someone to hear her vent and that would be a great opportunity for you to express yourself. I feel both of your suggestions are great although there might be more power in letting her know you are/were a dub too, she'll have someone to relate too. Anyways, those are my thoughts- hope you're able to help her out

But as you mentioned you might not want your other co-workers to know, option 2 would be better. Just swing someway where she can relate but doesn't expose you to anyone. i.e. "I can really relate as my family is really religious too but I've decided to go this route because it's personal. I can't serve a God or not serve based on anyone else...."

Faithful Witness

I would ascertain why she is an Ex-JW. I don't see any reason for you to disclose anything about yourself, if she is already confiding in you. No need to muck up the waters in your workplace, if you prefer to keep your JW identity private.

You could tell her you've done a little research about the JW's. Why did she leave? (This May give you a hint on what to say to dissuade her from going back).

I would present evidence against the religion and the society itself... But Where shall you start?

Pick one!

Ask her if she has heard about the recent changes in their prophecies and their beliefs about the dates 1914 or 1918 or whatever it is. They are changing their definition of the truth, moving their headquarters out of brooklyn and into a remote rural location. They are warning their followers, that they will soon be issued "instructions that may not make sense from a human standpoint."

Tell her you recently read some news articles about their child sexual abuse cases, and how they were under scrutiny from the government for their efforts in protecting pedophiles. especially since she has a child, I would ask her if she is aware of these current events. Boys can be victims also. The Watchtower Society lost a big court case, which she can see online under the name Candace Conti.

You could look up and print out some info that you think she would relate to... maybe just a short (half-page, easy read on break) article, and give her a link to a website that actively investigates the WTBTS. "I thought you might find this interesting. I would do some real homework, before you agree to return to this organization. I know you have a son, and want to do what is best for him."

Faithful Witness

I agree with Sammy too... It sounds like she needs someone to talk to. Being willing to listen to her concerns will help her make a good decision. Ask her a lot of questions and make her think.

ABibleStudent

Hi Kool Jo, Can you send her an anonymous email like I wrote about in You’ve Got Mail! TM with a simple message like "www.jwfacts.com helped me and it may help you." (or other websites like www.freedomofmind.com, www.watchtowerdocuments.com, www.jehovahs-witness.net, www.jwsurvey.org, and www.freeminds2.org)? Can you leave her articles from www.jwfacts.com, a copy of Steve Hassan's "Combatting Cult Mind Control", a copy of Raymond Franz's "Crisis of Conscience", etc.?

It wouldn't hurt to be around after she reads your anonynmous email or articles left on her desk so that you can ask her a simple question like "Do you feel alright? You seem confused. Do you want to talk about how you feel?"

Best of wishes helping her to critically think for herself.

Peace be with you and everyone, who you love,

Robert

Captain Obvious

I'd say you're in a golden position for some reverse witnessing my friend! She might still have a cult personality but if she's been out for a while, she might be into doing some 'independent research.' No need to out yourself. Say you have some JW relatives who pressured you to join (true) and so you did your homework and found them to be not what they said they were

problemaddict

I think you may be overestimating your workplace caring about your current/former/ current former religion. :)

Why not invite her out for adrink or a meal, and have a sincere talk with her expressing your empathy and listen to her. seems like the honorable kind thing to do. Good for you!

Black Sheep

Don't tell her anything. Especially don't unload a whole bucket load of WT crap on her. Technique is much more important than the info you want to unleash.

She has to do the thinking and the talking, not you. The more you try and do it for her, the greater the chance that she will block you out and run back to the KH.

Ask her a simple question that you already know the WT hasn't given her a sensible answer for, then shut up except to keep her on topic and honest. Ask it in such a way that she will really want to answer it.

Crazyguy

i would get a new king james bible and show her luke 21:8 and thn ask her, 'doesnt christ mean anointed one and doesnt the leaders of that religion claim their anointed'? And isnt that religion been saying for over 100+ years that the time is near'?

I need some assistance!

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