JW Rationalization: ... Is a Hallmark of the religion! The very theological basis of the religion is a fluid dynamic that can change with the wind to suit the convenience of the GB. Ultimately, the Rank & File JW picks up on this and extends rationalization to its limits. This is permitted unless the GB decides such are not in the interests of expansion.
Field Service: There have been a number of posts recently about how JWs are walking slower in Field Service or joining foreign language congregations that effectively limit their Service time. I am 100% convinced that JWs are engaged in this for the subtle purpose of not being under as much pressure. This is really nothing new ... just more of it is going on.
Typical Tactics: Set the FS meeting for 9:00 AM at the KH. Get there by 9:15, drag out reading of the Daily Text and visitiing time until about 10:00 AM. Start time as soon as you get in your car in the KH lot. Take the long route to the territory, and stop for gas along the way. (Never go the the FS meeting with a full tank as this is moe efficient - and god forbid that a JW would ever be efficient in FS).
When getting to the territory, drive around debating which street to start first and then debate some more where to meet at what corner when done with the street. (Also, a good alternative is to conveniently forget which streets were worked last - so never start with a fresh territory card.) Walk slow to the first door, discussing things of interest that make the time fly by. Knock on the first door by 10:45 AM. Let the householder talk, even witness to you with their pro-trinitarian beliefs (I always loved to find a Fundy at the door because they love to talk so much, and I could just listen.) When done there, continue to walk slowly, ---
Opps, its 11:15, must take a coffee break! Break from the FS work and slowly spend time trying to find the other Publishers. Get together with the rest of the group and offer to go to the coffee shop. If someone objects because of time lost, let them know that our presense at the store is a witness, because they know who we are and what we are doing. If they still object, buy them off by offering to pay for the coffee and donuts. (This is a risk expense, but is well worth to cost to get out of FS).
During the break, discuss the most interesting Fundy found at the door. Extend the coffee break with interesting stories and lots of refills ... be sure to offer and take many more refills on coffee, and let the kids run around so that collecting them back again takes more time.
When you sense lots of time has elapsed, check your watch. "Opps, where did the time go? I would love to go back out in FS, but I have to work up the talk for tomorrow, and well, it's almost noon anyway ... lets head back to the Hall, and drop everyone off."
Rationalization Point #1: Soon after becoming a JW, one learns that this is an impossible work filled with drudgery that few if any really like. So, the natural human thing to do is find ways to cut corners. JWs are experts at cutting corners ... and the FS is where they learn the trade. Never ever forget that JWs really don't like FS, and stomach it only because of the belief that they think this is what God expects of them. Even that belief is shaky, but is bolstered because no "thinking" JW wants the disapproval of his/her peers. The FS work is far and above a work of peer pressure.
Tomorrow: Rationalization #2: The Destruction Talk (errrrr, I mean Instruction Talk)
Edited by - Amazing on 1 September 2002 12:1:5