I survived years at Bethel during a period of great tension - there were lots of nervous breakdowns and people suddenly leaving because they couldn't take it anymore.
One lesson that I never forgot is: watch out for the self righteous types - they're often the first to flip out.
The rest of us complained and got drunk - chased tail at Witness 'get togethers' and muddled thru.
But the 'super righteous' guys cracked up, or turned apostate or fell apart, often suddenly. Heck, not even the Bethel overseers liked them ( especially in the bindery or ink room).
So, you never know - that brother or sister acting so high and mighty may just crack one day. They run off with somebody else's mate or come out of the closet or get sent to the local "Behavioral Center" ( looney bin) or get arrested for indecent exposure.
Excellent point Metatron, and unfortunately one I can attest to from personal experience within my own family.
My brother could easily be classified as one of those "self-righteous" Dubs. Although we do not speak now, I can go off his track record. Time and again he would go out of his way to attempt to counsel someone else or quote Scriptures to try and teach someone the error in their ways.. all the while ignoring his own problems. He is also the type that likes to put on a show for the public to see so that it appears he is happy, but behind closed doors the real individual is seen.
The result of this lifestyle as a JW?
He was committed to a mental institution where he stayed almost a month.
He has high blood pressure in his late 20's.
He did not go to college and receive a degree, and instead got married at age 23.
Now he has 2 children / his wife does not work and he has difficulty supporting his family (even turning down a job my father got for him paying 70k a year because "Jehovah will provide")
Is on medication for depression and mood swings
Exhibits extremely violent behavior in which he has destroyed other people's property and has had the police called on him on more than one occasion.
Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses, especially the ones who attend the meetings and "put on airs" of being righteous, are certainly the most happy people on earth.
Edited by - Reborn2002 on 10 December 2002 17:46:55
There was such a type at a cong. I went to years ago. This guy always gave the big flowery answers at the WT, each answer was at least 5 minutes! Big self-righteous type.
He got busted, someone saw him thru an open window canoodling around nekkid with a group of young boys/youths. Damn paedophile! So he was busted and disfellowshipped. They didn't announce the reason for his disfellowshipping, but the talk leading up to the announcement was about homosexuality and loose conduct, so most got the point.
So from then on, I knew the ones giving the big long answers and the self-righteous types were the people to keep away from.
