Was watching a new TV show called "Do Over" where a grown man goes back in time and is a high school student again, with all of his adult knowledge. The premise has often come to my mind. What would I have done if I knew then what I know now? We can't time-travel like that. But have any of you ever wondered what it would be like to go back to the JWs undercover?
Lets say you're living in a new area where no JWs know you. Some JW comes to your door, you play along and progress rapidly, start going to meetings, etc. Since you have no fear of them these days, you can afford to butt heads with them and have a little fun. And since you're "new" and unbaptised (as far as they know), you can probably get away with a lot more than a returning inactive one because you don't know any better and they're still trying to convert you.
Things that came to my mind were things like at a bookstudy, pointing out stupid comments that people make. Speaking up without being called on. Or arguing every time some stupid doctrine was mentioned, like 1914.
Asking to go out in Field Service to see what it's like after only a few bible studies. See them squirm and try to tell you no without destroying your enthusiasm.
Openly and vocally refuse to believe certain things - you might make people ask why you disgree and you can educate them. You'd be surprised. Many people can't concieve a different viewpoint can even exist and are taken aback. But will listen to a newbie, trying to find a flaw.
Go out in field service and refuse to report time saying something like "God knows how much time I spent" and liken reporting time to the person who prays loudly so as to be seen-and-heard. Tell them your worship is between you and God, not a public record.
Have fun out in Field Service (and try not to convert anybody). Like go to the door honestly. Tell the householder you're there to convert them to the JWs. Watch your JW training partner's chin drop. Or tell the householder to ignore the 1914 stuff in the magazines.
Then there were all the games you could play at a KH that was posted a while back. Like guarding empty seats. If people ask if they're being used, tell them you're saving them for "David or Joseph or some of the other ancient worthies" for when they return (ala Beth Sarim).
I became "apostate" after becoming inactive so I feel like I missed out on having a lot of fun irking them. Probably could have returned and done all this, but with my history of being a JW, I would have gotten DFed pretty fast. And not wanting to lose family still in, I couldn't risk DF.
Don't know that I'd really do this. Hell, only one boring WT study would probably make me think it wasn't worth the effort. And that's what it is - too much time and effort just for a few thrills. Guess I'll just leave it to my imagination.
What about those of you who are "apostates" still playing along? Do you play games with them? Still thinking that might be harder to get away with than being a new person who doesn't know any better.
Edited by - jws on 3 December 2002 18:59:18