BOWEN'S COMMON CAUSE (page 2)

Simon

sorry I had to edit your post hawkaw ... I understand how emotive this can be though.

WHile sure, I'd like to see all JW's become Catholic, like has been stated, the most IMPORTANT thing is protecting the kids. After that, if the Society reforms itself so it stops hurting people, GREAT< I hope the Catholic Church does too.

YERUSALYIM
"Vanity! It's my favorite sin!"
[Al Pacino as Satan, in "DEVIL'S ADVOCATE"]

ThiChi

JWs are not going away. So, why not help to make a kinder, gentler, religion like Bill is doing? If the big issues like blood, misuse of disfellowshipping and the like were resolved, it would be a benefit to all.........inside or out

alamb

OK, here's my perspective.

1. First and foremost, children need to be protected no matter whose they are. Alot of us still have family in and have a personal interest above and beyond the moral issues involved.

2. If, in the meanwhile, some see the hypocrisy of those taking the lead and their doublespeak, faulty policies, and lack of empathy, so be it. The good hearts will respond. This may also cause others to wonder what else is being hidden from them.

3. It will also alert the public to another form of danger they would not be aware of otherwise.

There are alot of hurt and healing people who are looking for some vindication or closure to their pain and the pedophile issue seemed to fit the bill (no pun intended). As long as we keep it rational and try to obtain positive results instead of looking for the downfall of the organization, we are all better for it.

He who joyfully marches to music in rank and file has already earned my contempt. He has been given a large brain by mistake, since for him the spinal cord would suffice."
-- Albert Einstein

JanH

Bathory,

That is a good point. Opponents of any cause or organization can easily lose track of why they oppose it. Bowen and others have not lost sight of their real goal. Of course their work can contribute to a long term improvement of the WTS and the JW organization.

This is a problem only for those who have forgotten why we oppose the WTS. If we oppose it because of their atrocities, we will simply be glad if they are forced to reform and improve. If the WTS should suspend their unethical activities, I would see no reason to oppose them as I have done over the last years.

It would still remain a silly little religion preaching nonsense, but in this they have lots of company.

- Jan
--
- "How do you write women so well?" - "I think of a man and I take away reason and accountability." (Jack Nicholson in "As Good as it Gets")

dmouse

I think I see where you're coming from with this Bathory. You are saying that by cleaning up the WBTS we are helping it to survive? And yet, as it is our sworn enemy, we should be trying everything to bring it down?

Well, I think the answer to your idea is 'yes', and you have made a valid point. By cleaning out the Society's problems we do help it to survive. But this is a matter of priorities. Therefore, and I think you make the point well, it is a very noble thing that Bowen and the others have done. What we can all see (except the WBTS) is that the TOP priority is to protect the children. All other priorities are rescinded in the face of this.

But don’t worry, I’m sure the WBTS will eventually fade into history and be forgotten on the scrap heap of failed ideologies, and I think THEY will be the main catalyst in this, not us exjws; we can only help it along as best we can.

ThatSucks

Hey JANH.

It's good to see you posting again. You may have posted elsewhere here, but this is the first post I've seen.

Pathofthorns

I have been bothered by some seeming "contradictions" for a long time myself (surprise surprise...lol)

It seems rather paradoxical how a website trashing the WT can invite loyal JWs who have been abused to trust them and follow their suggestions for getting help. How can you say you care about active Witnesses, but then trash everything they believe in when they visit the Silentlambs website? The website is not sensitive to the feelings of abused active and loyal Witnesses who choose to remain such. Their immediate need is that of assistance related to their being molested, not how evil the WT is.

The Silentlambs group has been tremendously effective in pointing out where there is a problem and by providing a place where victims (mostly exJW) can share their experiences. They have also forced a measure of change within the organization and forced them to take a closer look at this issue.

It would seem that they have chosen to "change" (attempt to destroy) the organization by taking it on directly in the media and the courts rather than by making it's message more appealing to the individuals that they say they would like to help protect.

I agree destroying the organization is what will help the most in the long run. But if the organization isn't "destroyed" any time soon, how will loyal JWs who need help right now regarding these things find it if the message is not presented in an appealing way?

I still can't figure out if we are trying to help children by destroying the organization or trying to help children by changing the organization. In the meantime, can we just help them by at least appearing to be more neutral and less anti-WT with regard to helping them through a time of crisis?

Path

plmkrzy

My question is a political one, can no one see that ??? Damb i gotta change forum's !!!

I understood your question. It was very clear.
I didn't read all the reply's yet but hopefully you got some better responses.
IMO this is one of those situations where neither side is going to be happy unless both sides accept some things they may not want to.
But regardless, even if the WT changes policy regarding reporting child abuse to proper authorities and things improve in the society that will not end wars against them. There will simply be something to take the place of it.

Blood reform may be the next silentlamb.

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BOWEN'S COMMON CAUSE