Errmygerrd!! Frmerly wurshrp!!!

by DATA-DOG 17 Replies latest jw friends

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  AndDontCallMeShirley

  Why the h*** can't they just have us over for dinner and talk??

  .

  I'm with you on this DD. When I was growing up the JWs regularly got together in big groups for volleyball, cookouts, etc. (yes, the "old days" when JWs still socialized). The thing that annoyed me the most about these gatherings (usually on Saturday) was the inevitable group WT Study (the ultimate "buzz kill"). Everything came to a grinding halt so the group could study the WT for the following day's meeting. This study always took 2-2.5 hours out of the evening. What's so stupid about was we were going to be doing the same thing the next morning at the Kingdom Hall, but the mentality is if you socialize without including some WT-related programmed activity, the gathering does not have a "spiritual" aspect to it and was in essence selfish and worldly. Simply getting together with friends and enjoying the day without WT activities included was not a consideration. Even though I was a fully "in" JW, Pioneering at the time, this was the most irritating aspect to me of being with JWs, I absolutely hated it. I asked the same question you did: "can't we just get together and have fun without turning the party into a congregation meeting EVERY DAMN TIME ?!"

  The reality is, outside of the Org. JWs have no life and are lost without following WTs every dictate. WT tells JWs that every gathering MUST include WT-related activity, so that's what JWs do. A "normal" life to JWs is abnormal and something to be rejected.
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  Smiles

  "You can associate with all kinds of people and it doesn't mean that they are going to corrupt you."
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  cultBgone

  We had a eldub relative known for his private WT gatherings...he was told to stop by the eldub body as he was giving private interpretation to the bible.

  Then again, one of his children told me that's also where all the teens made plans to hook up...
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  DATA-DOG

  "You can associate with all kinds of people and it doesn't mean that they are going to corrupt you."

  So true, SMILES, and thank you for quoting me! [ As if I wouldn't notice.] It's not a matter of "corrupting" as most here will agree with. It's a matter of intrusion into peoples lives. The main intrusion come from the WTBTS when they dictate "spiritual" routines that they deem vital for salvation. That mind-set is projected upon the flock. In turn the well-meaning sheeple project that neurotic behavior upon others who they feel need "spiritual assistance. It's really more of an annoyance to me at this point. I may go to be sociable, and for the sake of my wife. She can't handle too much these days, and doesn't understand why I don't want to hear about her trip to JW Mecca.

  DD
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  Smiles

  Labeling invitations to innoculous hospitality within someone's home as "neurotic" ?
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  DATA-DOG

  Well, why do JWs feel they MUST have "family worship night?" They have told that it is one of the "minimum requirements" for GOD'S favor. That favor equals salvation. So they MUST have "family worship." They feel guilt if they don't. If a brother is known to forsake family worship, the Elders consider him spiritually immature. He won't be used in the KH. JWs get anxiety and are fearful of not obeying GOD's [the Governing Body's] requirements.

  http://ezinearticles.com/?Acting-Neurotic---What-is-Neurotic-Behavior?&id=3923733

  Neurotic behavior

  A psychologist will tell you that neurotic behavior or thinking, while distressing or painful to the individual, does not include any loss of contact with reality or behavior that is dramatically outside the social norms.

  What this means in effect is that neurotic needs, wishes and behaviors are normal and necessary wishes and needs carried to a point of excess... usually because the individual is being driven by underlying fears and anxieties.

  The motivation behind the invitation is important to consider, IMO. Is it really just for hospitality?
• 

  Viviane

  We have taco night. Close?
• 

  villagegirl

  Witnesses, and I am thinking about one elders wife, who feels

  so "special" and righteous about highlighting Watchtower articles

  as if this elevates her, from her neighbors, and is the important work

  Jesus wanted us to do. Its the weird "feeling better than everyone"

  that I find so delusional.