Dear black:
:Hilda,
Many here have been personally effected by the borg, and it is hard to be objective when you have been brutalized mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and in the case of those molested, physically. Objective? Maybe not, but it doesn't mean their experiences aren't real. Their feelings are valid.:
I can understand the plight of those who have been abused. I myself have suffered abuse that is real hard to talk about these days. Karen Armstrong also underwent abuse at the hands of the beloved Catholic Church. Poor lady. Karen has bounced back and now produces objective work, my friend. It takes time but victims can recover.
I do not expect victims of abuse to be objective shortly after abuse of any kind occurs. They have been hurt. But I feel it is wrong to present one's subjective feelings as if they are objective. I also feel it is wrong to skew data in one's favor at such times.
:So, the number 23,000 bothers you? In my opinion, it is probably higher than that. I lived in places all over the country, and I was in many congregations. I think statistically, and judging from the number of cases that have come to light, that the number is valid, perhaps conservative.:
We cannot be subjective here, my dear. Too much is at stake. A hard scientific approach is needed in cases of this nature. The social sciences do not survive on guesses and emotions. There are times when even the mystic must step aside for scientific inquiry, dear black.
:People giving Bill a verbal pat on the back is a good thing. What he is going through is very difficult, and he has lost family members over it. He needs to know that he has support. There is nothing wrong with that.:
I agree. There is nothing wrong with edification. Just make sure that we encourage for the right reasons, right causes, and that we do not overdo it, my friend.
:I have talked to Bill on many occasions, and can readily tell you that he is a sincere person, and not out for personal gain.
Have you talked to him? Do you kmow him? Be careful not to judge him.
Jesus had plenty to say on that topic.:
I have not talked to Mr Bowen. Just read his posts and read where others pat him on the back. I was waiting for him to tell others not to pat him on the back anymore (Acts 12:21-23). Alas! It was not to be in the cards.
:Your comment that JWs should verify everything is interesting. JWs don't do that. When they start to verify things, they leave the borg, because it doesn't take long to realize that they have been deceived.:
What did the beloved apostle say? Make sure of all things--hold fast to that which is fine (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
Everyone of us, JW or not, should heed the admonition of the apostle.
