You say other religions offer a way of life and a life style ... thus the difference. Being a JW IS a way of life AND a life style. It may seem subtle but there IS a vast difference.
What? Lots of other religions affect not only the way of life but the lifestyle too. You think the WTS is the only non-smoking religion out there? I think, instead, that you meant “Being a JW is THE way of life and THE ONLY lifestyle.” THAT would be an accurate reflection of the JW mindset. And it would be in error.
You are welcome to speak up but it won't affect them in the slightest so why get in such a dither?
I was dithering? I was pretty sure my language is cool, direct, and level-headed. Also, I have plenty of evidence that my speaking up does make a difference. Such as our friend Gambit here.
As long as you have family 'in' why not respect their mentality and keep your arguments involved only with them. They deserve to know your true feelings or it's built on a false basis.
I do respect my JW honey, yes I do (I can hardly believe I am defending my relationship with a stranger). He does know my true feelings, and has wisely chosen to veer away from controversial subjects. After all, he would not want to be guilty of apostate thinking.
You call this a JW discussion page but in fact the true title is 'Forum for Jehovah's Witnesses" so it's already misleading. The name implies it is a page FOR JWs, not a place to bash them.
I thought I covered this already, in Do we Suck in JW’s Unawares?
Frankly, NW, your defense sounds a little shrill, considering you are not “good enough” for the WTS either.
But we simply could not talk about it while we where in. We were not supposed to even think about it. So now we talk about it. We let out years of repressed thoughts and feelings here, with friends.
LisaBoBeesa, I can so relate. On first finding this board, I typed like a demon. All these suppressed thoughts bursting for expression. This site saved my sanity.
Ain’t it great to have a voice, Big Tex? An intelligent, sensitive man like you, and there is no forum in the WT organization where you can speak your mind.
Welcome, gambit! I look forward to the dam bursting! Personal stories are still my all-time favorite. Anger is the first step in overcoming loss. Other emotions will follow. This board is a pretty safe place to vent it all, amongst people who understand. Question for Northern Girl. Howcome the WTS does not include personal testimonies in their meetings (I mean, ones that have not been edited by the writing department)?
Scully! Yeah. Don’t go broadcasting your “true feelings” on the internet! Oo, oo. You might offend the organization! Go spouting off to JW family and friends so they know better than to talk to you ever again! And, Heavens to Betsy, don’t go speaking that negative talk down at the hall. You might be appropriately branded Apostate and your doorpost marked. “Keep on walking, folks, nothing to see here.” Why is the WTS so dead-set on muzzling all opposition? Jesus let the Pharisees speak. He silenced them with his wise words.