Just got back from trick or treating with the kids...

by cognac 22 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  fiddler

  So, you haven't been to a meeting in over a year? Ask the elders what part of 'I walked away from this farce of a religion a year ago' don't they understand? do they really believe you are not old enough to make an informed decision? Then proceed to INFORM them: go to JWFacts for a list of places to start.

  The elders treat the rank & file witness like they don't have a brain cell in their head. Maybe it's time to bone up on your debating skills and just lamb into them. Nothing will be lost that isn't already (sorry) but maybe you can get some points in.

  good luck!

  btw, I dressed Steampunk again this year for my students. Walked the dog through the neighborhood later in the evening and saw some great decorations. I think I enjoy the Halloween decorations better than Christmas.

  Good for you to let your kids participate in the fun!
• 

  NAVYTOWN

  If the Elders try to contact you, just tell them: 'I have nothing to say'. Keep repeating as long as necessary. Don't get drawn into their game of '20 Questions'. Why acknowledge their existence at all???
• 

  DesirousOfChange

  Ask the elders what part of 'I walked away from this farce of a religion a year ago' don't they understand?

  That would indicate that she considers herself no longer to be one of JWs -- disassociating herself -- and the results would be the same as being DFd -- announcement to Cong during Service Mtg & shunning.

  Doc
• 

  LisaRose

  It's great you are willing to do that for your kids. I didn't leave until mine were grown, so they missed out, but my grandchildren get to have it. Halloween is a big deal in my neighborhood, we get hundreds of trick or treaters, people come from all over. This year I went all out, we decorated the front porch to the max, we even had scary music. My husband and I did New Steam punk costumes, it was a lot of fun.
• 

  designs
• 

  KateWild

  My daughter is grown up now, but she wore a costume to work and went to a haloween party in the evening, I think they had alcohol instead of sweets (candy) though. It's good to know that everyone can join in no matter how old they are.

  I am so sorry to hear your husband put the dampers on the fun, and is going to report you. He is obviously scared the kids will die at Armaggedon. What he is proposing to do is terrible, but don't forget he thinks it is what's best for your whole family. Just try and ignore the elders but show your husband love, and that you are a good wife and mother. Very sorry this is happening, WT is a cult.

  Kate xx
• 

  Simon

  It's very much a community event here in Canadia too - you get to meet lots of other families and kids. I think it's a good thing how it brings people together and the kids have fun.

  Some of the little 'uns are just so cute in their costumes.

  We had to sit on the porch so our dog could meet them all (she loves kids, they love her).
• 

  Oubliette

  Cognac: Husband is completely, beside himself LIVID. He's going to the elders on me.

  Nothing screams "CULT" like one family member turning in another.

  There actually is nothing the elders can "do" to you. Sure, they can "disfellowship" you, but it sounds like you already cut off all "fellowship" with them a year ago.

  Since your hubby is still under their thought/mind control, they can certainly mess him up which will no doubt cause all sorts of complications in your life. But he's an adult and he has to make his own choices.

  Ask him why the ultimatums? You would never do that to him? Would you ever say, "You have to leave JWs or I'll leave you!"? But many JWs have left their spouses when they left the organization.

  It's so twisted.
• 

  lisaBObeesa

  Only a JW can be DA or DF.

  You have not been a JW for over a year.

  Therefore you can't be DA or DF. But they will try to anyway.

  Make it clear in writing, that since you are not a member they have no right to do anything to you OR to announce anything about you..

  Make it clear that since you are not a JW you are NOT DA-ing.

  Since you are not a jw they have no right to discipline you or make ANY announcement about you.

  It would be best if you could get a lawyer to write this up. But if you can't, at least threaten them with a legal action if they announce anything about you, a non-member of their club.

  http://church-discipline.blogspot.com/2008/12/why-not-to-keep-going-on-with.html?m=1
• 

  AlphaMan

  Just got back from trick or treating with the kids... Husband is completely, beside himself LIVID. He's going to the elders on me. I've havent been to a meeting in over a year. Not sure if they can or will do anything.

  Do you think this is for real, or he is just venting or bluffing? This is really dysfunctional and cultish. Sounds like you are still married. If you are no longer going to JW meetings why do you think he would do this? This is so petty, unless he is an uber-dub that thinks his eternal salvation now depends on his telling the elders his wife committed the sin of taking his children trick or treating. Sounds like you made a stand to not let your children miss out by not adherring to the beliefs of this farce of a religion.

  Lot's of good advice here. If he actually does turn you in to the elders, that is a separate issue for you to personally decide how you will handle. For the trick or treating thing....I always like the advice to not acknowledge that the elders have authority over you any longer. If the elders contact you, it shows more than likely something will happen. You could play the 2 witness rule, but we all know that only applies when the cult needs to protect a pedophile that they like. If you thought enough to do it and your hubby turned you in, you might as well face it head on.

  If the elders contact you inquiring about this. GET IN A HUFF, and tell them you dare them to contact you over something so petty and ridiculous as little kids having fun. Then, tell them if they want something to check into then they can go check into all the pedophile cases the Watchtower is getting sued over, and why the Governing Body is changing beliefs so much. That will catch them so off-guard....THEN HANG UP. They may be so shocked that they just drop it.

  Good luck, and do keep us posted if this develops into something more.