Hello All:
So nice to see all of the replies I got from my previous thread, about the X-Men movie. I would like to expand on my previous thread, and state the experiences I've had growing up, and why I thought seeing an Elder at a movie such as the "X-Men" was extraordinary.
First, when I was growing up in the 80's, NO MOVIES were allowed to be seen that had any violence, sex, strong language, were anti-Christian or "demonic", etc. Didn't matter what the "label", "R", "PG-13", whatever. Even cartoon movies such as Disney were looked down upon, as they were inspired by Demons who were trying to make you think magic was ok and that talking animals were ok, etc. Even going to the movies was out of the question, PERIOD - as your time was better spent OUT IN THE FIELD MINISTRY!! Also, I was scolded for watching certain Saturday morning cartoons (smurfs, etc). Also, it was directly stated and IMPLIED that no one should even own video cassettes of movies in their home. They are inspired by demon possessed directors, wicked and immoral actors, etc. My family had NONE when I was growing up. Mainly being, that if you had JW company over, some of them might see your video collection and comment on it. Rediculous, huh? If you think that's bad, check this out. We were even warned about Cable TV, and TV as a whole. You were definetly frowned upon if you had cable TV. So, of course, we never had it. The entire MTV generation, and I never saw MTV until the mid-90's. Oh yeah, about 5 years ago at a meeting, our congregation was asked for a "cost of living" increase for the Circuit Overseer, because his CABLE TV BILL INCREASED!! Our family almost fell off of our chairs!! All that time, we had no Cable TV (only 6 local channels) and here the CO needed more money, because his Cable TV bill increased!!!!!!!!! What the hell was the CO doing even watching TV, much less Cable TV? Shouldn't he be out in the field ministry? When does he have time to watch TV, much less Cable? As I, and my family were told so many times in the late 70's and 80's, if it's not having to do with the organization, the field ministry, etc, "IT ISN'T NECESSARY."
I don't know when some of you came into the truth, but it must not have been very long ago. These policies, unwritten rules, etc, are enforced, and FORCED DOWN YOUR THROAT at all costs, and have been for decades. The attitude is, "Why were YOU at a movie? Why were you not out in the field ministry? Isn't the field ministry time better spent?" "Why were you watching a violent, non-christian movie involving evolution (mutants), along side a "worldy" crowd of people? What would Jesus have done? Are you spending too much time with worldy activities? Do you have too much leisure time?" <<<<<<<< These are the questions that are asked, and too often implied as well. It is a constant guilt trip, and an interogation about EVERYTHING you do outside of the Kingdom Hall and field service. Never forget, big brother is ALWAYS watching you.
Why was I astounded to see an Elder at a movie? Just read the previous paragraphs. What a bunch of hypocrites and self-righteous nazis, running around telling people what to do, what to watch, how to dress, & sticking their noses in other people's business where it DOESN'T BELONG, while at the same time, doing the very things they spout orders off not to do. "DO AS WE SAY, NOT AS WE DO." This is what I have come to know as the Society's true theme throughout my lifetime. Don't go to school, don't think for yourself, no independant thoughts, no reasoning or questions of your own, no money $$$ of your own, no leisure time, no friends outside of the Org, no free time, NO LIFE!! Meetings, studies, magazines, more Meetings, Assemblies, field service, place literature, give money, give time, give allegance to this org full-time, pioneer, on and on and on and on. And when you are frail and old, sick and tired, on your death bed, where are they? No where to be found, because when you reach that point, you have no more $$$, & no more field service time to give. You need their help, but they are too busy with the org to care. Their moto then becomes, "What have you done for us lately?" If nothing, (because of illness, etc) than you are clearly not worthy of their help, or even the attention. This has been only a taste of my experience, and my families experience. I quickly learned to look out for #1, because they sure don't. After all, God helps those whom help themselves.
Thanks, Wing Commander