Logic Lures Them in, Emotions Keep them In (page 2)

unique1

Insightful and truthful post Jgnat!. I enjoyed it.

I'm not sure the logic plays any role in leading the majority of members into the Watchtower Society. Most of us were either too young, too inexperienced or with too little knowledge of Bible scholarship to be able to use logic in any degree to determine what was right and wrong with Watchtower doctrine.

For most, it was the emotion of finding a people that we thought were sincere and good. The idea of having a Christian family unlike our experiences in other churches drew us close to the organization. We accepted the Wachtower's explanations only because the churches failed to really teach anyone about the Bible. And it is only when a person becomes seriously involved in Biblical research that he begins to question the "logic" of the Watchtower Society.

In many ways, Jehovah's Witnesses are lazy Bible students. They rely on the Watchtower publications without exerting any effort to research the truth. I've only known a very few Jehovah's Witnesses over many years of association that were interested in personal study of the Bible and in personal research of Biblical subjects.

jgnat

Glad you enjoyed it, unique1. I have appreciated the ufolding drama as you exert your independence with your family.

mizpah, you make some excellent points.

We accepted the Wachtower's explanations only because the churches failed to really teach anyone about the Bible.

And perhaps that is why someone like me is immune. My church is warm, active, welcoming, and serious about their bible study. Perhaps it is the ones who are lonely, ill informed, ignored, or otherwise mistreated by mainline churches that are most vulnerable to the WTBTS teaching.

I particularly like this statement,

In many ways, Jehovah's Witnesses are lazy Bible students. They rely on the Watchtower publications without exerting any effort to research the truth.

kgfreeperson

It is a little harsh to accuse the r & f of being lazy bible students since WTS forbids "independent" reading of the bible precisely because anyone who reads the bible without the "aids to understanding" provided by the borg will "fall out of the truth."

yxl1

I've learnt a lot from this thread. Growing up as a Dub, I could never understand why adults would choose to become witnesses. Whenever I refused to go I would be beaten (I'm sure the biblical "rod" wasnt made from iron, but mine was), kicked out the house (nothing like sleeping on the doorstep during a british winter to make you a little more humble) and then have a visit from the Elders (almost weekly). Whenever I saw new ones arrive at our KH, I always felt like screaming "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? RUN..AND NEVER LOOK BACK!!!" This thread has given me a little more understanding as to why some of you guys, as adults, decided to join.

thanks

mizpah

kgfreeperson:

Everyone, even Jehovah's Witnesses, are able to make choices. Afterall, most JWs made a choice when they joined the Watchtower Society. But it is always easier to let others make decisions for you. One doesn't have to think about it. But often the price for this is greater than one realizes.

The Bible makes it clear that everyone is responsible for their own actions. The basis of judgment is that each person is judged "according to his deeds." The plea that "I was only obeying orders" will not stand. Many of us who left the organization were bothered by the unchristian conduct we experienced in the organization. We had a choice to make. Either we could stay in a cruel and uncaring organization or we could leave. We also had to think of the implications of our decisions. Leaving meant losing friends and family members. But staying meant living a lie.

Every Jehovah's Witness will eventually face this situation. It will come down to the issue of whom they wish to please: Jehovah God or the organization.

cat1759

Wonderful thread. Thank you

Cathy

northern girl

jgnat:

Hi again ... I know I'm going to get dumped on for this but I can't not say anything.

Jehovah's Witnesses is not just another religion ... it is a way of life AND a life style.

It is not their concern to be acceptable by you or anyone else. If you don't agree with them why be concerned with them? If their beliefs don't jibe with yours, ignore them but why make a career out of dissing them?

If you don't want them bothering you, all you have to do is tell them and you will not be contacted again.

norhtern girl.

DannyBear

Northerngirl,

****It is not their concern to be acceptable by you or anyone else. If you don't agree with them why be concerned with them? If their beliefs don't jibe with yours, ignore them but why make a career out of dissing them?****

A fairly reasonable request. Yet please consider......

jgnat, myself, and many others here on jwd, have extended family still in the 'religion'. It is not so easy to just live and let live, when your own flesh and blood do not return the favor.

Danny

jgnat

Jehovah's Witnesses is not just another religion ... it is a way of life AND a life style.

I have news for you. Every church offers a way of life and a life style. Some are even more disciplined and pure than the WTBTS. Others prefer to focus on forgiveness and grace. Yet others remember to feed the the hungry and clothe the poor.

It is not their concern to be acceptable by you or anyone else. If you don't agree with them why be concerned with them? If their beliefs don't jibe with yours, ignore them but why make a career out of dissing them?

As long as the WTBTS teaches it's members to reject people like me, I will continue to speak up. When the WTBTS falls off it's rotten pedestal and recognizes it is just like the rest of us, I will stop.

If you don't want them bothering you, all you have to do is tell them and you will not be contacted again.

I am not "bothered" by the JW's, my life is circumscribed daily by their doctrines and demands. As Dannybear said so eloquently, I will continue to be affected by them as long as I have family in.

Logic Lures Them in, Emotions Keep them In

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