I got an answer from my dad

Elsewhere

For several months I have been asking my family and the organization what the difference is between someone who "simply leaves the faith" and someone who "went out" (disassociates).
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=39631&site=3

Today I finally got the answer from my dad on the phone.

According to my dad (an elder), someone who simply leaves the faith is someone who still believes in Jehovah and the Organization, but does not attend the meetings.

He gave me an example... a family friend. Only problem is that this man leads a tormented life because he is torn between "serving jehovah and the organizations" and things about himself he can't control. (what my dad meant by "things" I have no idea).

In other words... the only way to simply leave the faith is to continue to belief the faith and lead a tormented life because you are not following it.

I responded to my dad: "So no matter how you leave the faith, you will still be tormented?" My dad said: "Yes".

I pointed out some of the false prophecies of the organization and my dad said: "Oh, well they are not false prophets because they corrected what they were doing wrong." Later he actually had the gall to tell me that right now they are not making any mistakes.

My family is sooooo into this organization it is sickening. Even though it is constantly f*cking up they are still loyal to it. Even though it ruins lives, they are still loyal to it. Even though it has caused people to loose their lives, they are still loyal to it.

That's it... after the last two phone calls with my parents and the emails with my brother... I'm done with them.

F***k 'Em!

They might as well be dead to me. I'm not going to continue tormenting myself over them.

Edited by - Elsewhere on 27 December 2002 18:20:4

Yizuman

Dude,

You've planted some seeds of doubt and you've done all you can. The seed will grow and maybe if you're lucky, it'll pop into their brains and see the light for what the org really is.

One guy told me that he had a seed of doubt planted into him and it took him 10 years to get there where he went back to that very question he was confronted with 10 years before. So he's out because of that.

So leave it at that for now.

I wish you and your family lots of luck.

pr_capone

I can empathize with your pain Elsewhere, my parents were much of the same way. It its of any consolation to you, my mom was especially commited to the organization. Just a few weeks ago she stopped going to the meetings as well and things have gotten much better. Always hold out hope that they will see the errors of the WTS. They just may.

Gopher

I agree with your sentiments, Elsewhere. Trying to talk to dub parents seems like banging your head against a brick wall (it's only for masochists).

My father, also an elder, seems to have little else to live for but this organization. It is so myopic, and so sad.

And their warped views of those who no longer share their faith -- it's unproductive to even dignify such rubbish with a response.

(At least we have this board on which to vent....)

Edited by - Gopher on 27 December 2002 18:27:58

Prisca

((((Elsewhere))))

I know how frustrating it is. You can't change other people's minds for them - they have to do that themselves.

The main thing is to get on with your life and live it the best you can. I know what it's like to live without contact from one's own parents - at one stage, I hadn't seen my Dad for 10 years. But you just have to get on with making the best of what you have, and leaving behind the rest. As they say, being happy is the best revenge, especially revenge against the WTS.

My email is always open to you.

Simon

(((( Elsewhere ))))

I know exactly how you feel

no one

Please forgive if this strays a bit from the topic at hand. Question:

Whom is still considered a JW of these 2 classes you mentioned, Elsewhere? Are DAs and those who simply leave (fade, inactive,etc.) still considered part of the org or are one or both no longer counted in the 6 million number of JWs?

ozziepost

G'day No-one,

Only active publishers are counted in the number of JWs worldwide.

Therefore, since both fadeaways and DA are no longer active publishers, they are no longer included in the total number of Dubs worldwide.

Cheers, Ozzie

animal

I have definite opinions on parents in the JW's that shun....

They aren't parents. Period.

Animal

Xena

Sux doesn't it Elsewhere? I have pretty much resigned myself to the fact that my family is for all intents and purposes lost to me forever...it's not easy letting go, but I do believe it is ultimately the best thing to do, for me anyway...

I wish I could find something to say to make it better.....

I got an answer from my dad

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