by larc 35 Replies latest jw friends
After a person leaves the religion, they can say "why was I so dumb". Dumb implies a lack of intelligence. However, there are many witnesses that are very intelligent.
I think the proper term is that we were ignorant, not dumb. Ignorance means we lacked information, and once we are exposed to information, mostly from the internet, we are no longer ignorant of some basic facts.
What are your thoughts on this? What are the sources that allowed to become informed?
Larc, you have hit on something so puzzling to me. My wife's father is JW. Very intelligent and eloquent. (And very argumentative!) If I didn't know better, I would be a JW tommorow based upon his reasonings. He is so convincing! I can't imagine in a 1,000,000 years that he would ever leave the JW Org! But some of you have left...is it lack of intelligence...or some other deep-rooted, sub-conscious reason
SpannerintheWorks
No, it can't be lack of intelligence as attested by you account of a witness you know. I think that is the desire to believe in something and surrender critical thinking skills. Eric Hoffer wrote a very good book on this, entitled, The True Believer.
I agree carl,you feel so stupid but then realize that some sort of brainwashing was in effect.
Obiwan,
Good to see you here. It has been awhile since I have seen or heard from you. Please send me an e-mail.
Hey larc,I`d have to agree with you.I think what starts people on they`re way to being informed,is when they start to realise they`re being lied to,and start looking for answers.Truthfull answers.Thats why so many people get pissed off with people who lie,or are decietfull on this board...OUTLAW
BTW, Larc, how's Zazu (Jan)?
Spanner,
My wife is doing well, no set backs. My youngest daughter is with her. My oldest daughter and I are here at my house. We have been getting a call about every twenty minutes on things we should bring to the hospital, everything from my wife's favorite pillow to a block of Colby cheese. So, my wife is doing her best to make a home away from home.
My grand daughter will visit this afternoon and I know that will chear up my dear wife.
That's s what I like to hear, Larc
Better news about Mrs Larc
Were we stupid or misled?
I heard a public speaker use a quote that he said came from an ancient Greek, "Demosthenes" to the effect that "It is very easy to convince people of something that they would like to believe ". The dumb so and so could not see that he was a prime example.
The New World sounds so appealing. World peace, no more war , nobody getting injustice , nobody being oppressed and of course health, everlasting youth and a paradise to live in . Who would not want that to happen ? The arguments can sound logical, "If you were God , is not that what you would do?"
Couple that with many of us growing up in an environment where every one that matters does believe it and you have a recipe for a faithful witness
It also, I believe, takes a certain courage to admit to yourself that you have been wrong for all these years. It is far safer to close your mind to anything else and stay with your Watchtower articles, keeping your social status.
I believe that these are some reasons why they stay with it.
