HOW & WHY I BECAME A JW
Dave the Atheist Fulfills Prophecy - Part 2
Initially, I was not impressed nor put-off by Don and his JW beliefs.
In fact, because I enjoy talking about a number of topics, including religious issues, I was fascinated by the JWs. Nevertheless, I considered them just another Protestant upstart that did not measure up to the Roman Catholic faith and its long tradition. Something that always intrigued me was Bible Prophecy ... and certainly, anything any group said, I would at least listen with an open mind ... and now enters the issue with Dave Haack.Dave Haack also fascinated me
because he was the first person I met who admitted to having been a member of the American Communist Party ... and Dave was full of opinions and loved to debate ... so to hear, according to a JW, that this Atheist / ex-Communist played some role in fulfilling prophecy was most interesting. Certainly it was a form of intellectual entertainment for me.I asked Don to explain just how Dave was fulfilling prophecy
. He began by making a brief presentation about the 'Last Days' of this system of things ... discussing some of Matthew 24, Luke 21, etc. ... then, he opened to a Scripture, I forget just where, but it talked about ridiculers and scoffers in the 'Last Days' who would say that all things are proceeding forward just as they always have since the days of their ancestors. He noted how Jehovahs Witnesses are not surprised by people like Dave, because they have been watching Bible prophecy and have long expected these events as we near the end of this system of things.I was somewhat intrigued by this application made by Don
... but it was not any major point that would cause me to want to become a JW. Rather, it was just part of an overall interesting topic. But, my second error was to ask more about Bible prophecy and what Don thought would happen to bring about what I called in 1968, "The End of the World." Don, of course would correct my use of such terms ... and in time this became a pattern with him.Don's JW Girlfriend:
After a couple of weeks of talking a great deal about everything, from the Trinity to Christmas (given it was the end of December) I found that I enjoyed Don because he was able to express views that I could agree with ... but nothing about his beliefs particularly yet jumped out at me as worthy of deep investigation.But then one day his girlfriend, Carla, walked into the office to let Don know she was there to pick him up. She was using his car out in Service. She impressed me because she was not only attractive, but had a sense of confidence about her that I enjoy in women. After a brief introduction, they talked quietly in Don's office, but I could hear something about meetings, and parts on meetings, and talks. As they were walking out, Carla turned and said she enjoyed meeting me, and then looked at Don and asked if I was going to study with him. Don just said, in that doubtful JW voice, "We'll see" ... Carla then invited me to attend a Sunday meeting and meet the JWs and see what I think ... to which I kindly said that I would think about it.
Men vs Women:
I can argue and debate with men all day long, even cuss one another out ... then have a beer together at the close of the day ... but, something about women makes it hard for me to argue with them ... especially when they seem confident and committed to something ... and I guess in a subtle way, Carla being introduced into the picture captured my respect ... maybe more intrigue ... no I was not interested in her, and she was taken anyway (and I was about to meet the love of my life) ... but, suddenly a JW couple seem to add credibility that these people were serious and together on this religion ... two young, attractive, obviously well-mannered and professional religious people present a very good marketing image. I find in sales that the same combination of couples in real estate do very well together.The office door bust open "Are you getting sucked into that quacky bunch?"
... It was Dave again ...Don and Carla had just left, and Dave could overhear us from his desk outside the office. He said things in a crusty-humorous manner, but I could see that he was truly interested in my future ... even though I was so very new on the job ... I told him about fulfilling prophecy ... and he just shook his head ... just then ... I could hear him mumbling to someone walking toward the office ...Now enters Patty, another Dave, and George. Patty walked up to me to talk ... and George and the other Dave walked into the file room. Patty, the wife of Andys brother Irv, placed a short little booklet with me that is published by the General Association of Regular Baptists Churches ... she invited me to attend their Baptist church the following Sunday ... and noted that I should not listen to Don and his false religion.
Then the other Dave stopped to listen and chimed in that he goes to the Pentecostal Church, and that I am always welcome there too. Patty did not look pleased, and I could see that she was frustrated. George, a Japanese fellow also stopped ... but he said that I am NOT invited to his temple ... he is Buddhist and that there are too many Buddhists in this world and we dont need any more ... George was rather a sarcastic person ... but all three warned me again about Don the JW ...
Then Dave Haack stepped back in as they left ... "I see you really have these religious nuts after you ... did you put on some kind a spray that attracts these people? ... be careful, because religions love your money." He then just laughed, shaking his head and walked out. I was stunned, because I too wondered if there was a sign on my forehead that said, " Disgruntled Roman Catholic Here Looking for a New Religion! Please Help me NOW!"
Skiing, Drinking, and the Truth Book: I was always naturally shy ... so my brother who was by now my legal guardian was urging me to get out and do things more often rather than sitting around reading all the time. My brother loved to chase women, smoke, swear and drink ... but he always went to church on Sunday ... So I went along with his "Be Outgoing Program" and joined a Ski Club. I was planning on partying when we got to Mt. Shasta ... and start living the life of a young man out to paint the town red ... I told Don the JW about this ... and that is when he went into high gear to convert me ...
Tomorrow, I will get into Part 3, "Receiving the Truth Book" ... and how this was tied into my getting drunk and going skiing. ...
Edited by - Amazing on 21 August 2002 18:31:33