by punkofnice 14 Replies latest jw experiences
I was talking to an Ex-JW. Not been out as long as I have.
Cut a long story short, I came to realise that I can no longer be bothered to debate JWs if (on the rare occasion), I have encountered them.
I think that because I am somewhere circling a nihilistic atheist it seems pointless. I just don't have the energy because I rarely even think about JW related garbage. Hence not being here much....I even forget this forum exists I've become that worldly.
What about you, my friends?
It really depends on who you debate with, why you debate and the mutual respect you show one another.
For instance, one evening, I was talking about the steadfast faith of my mother in law who refused blood transfusion despite this putting her in greater risk. The doctor had evaluated this at 2% higher rate of failure and thereby, possible death.
My ant’s response was that there were no risks to begin with and that the doctor was inadequate. I tried to reason with her that the doctor had been referred by the Hospital Liaison Comity (HLC), that they had stayed informed every step of the way and that there was indeed an risk increase due to refusing blood.
My ant argued and argued, questioning my faith and motives for layout out the facts while all I wanted to say is:
Who has greater faith? The one who does something knowing it is totally safe or the one that does an action accepting the risks?
Somehow, she couldn’t see things from that angle and continued arguing.
Moral of the story? Some people are not worth your time.
Nice to hear from you again, punkofnice.
Most J-Dubs don't want to debate because they can't.
In my experience, if you can find a JW who will debate as opposed to run, they get very angry very quick. Not quite hostile, but aggressive and the conversation picks up speed and it's hard to slow it down.
I don't think I can debate with JWs because they can't debate.
They don't value independent thinking. The Governing Body writes all their lines.
I've never tried to debate them and I don't feel the need to, TBH.
I think pointing them towards the ARC (child abuse issues) might be better.
As soon as you say something that disputes or disagrees with JW doctrine (whether Biblical or not) most JW's will just refuse to listen. The pain of the cognitive dissonance is just too severe.
All depends on what type of JW you debate with.
I would welcome a conversation with an active JW about their doctrine. There was a time when JWs were supposed to be able to defend their faith. The Watchtower wanted JWs to study their publications and the Bible to make a competent defense of their faith. Not any longer.
Now JWs are NOT to study. The Watchtower only wants members to listen and obey. When JWs are challenged about their beliefs the are a one-trick pony - "Go to JW.org for the answers to all your questions."
I tried to reason with some key close people. They didn't really give me a chance before they stuck their fingers in their ears and went "LA LA LA LA, I CAN'T HEAR THIS!"
I am not interested in getting all riled up for that with JW's that are not important to me, and I don't want them to push for my DF'ing.
I was prime to "debate" 10 years ago, now I am not sharp enough to really do a full debate. But it doesn't matter. The more JW doctrine changes, the more I realized it doesn't even matter.
I never used to approach them at Carts and things before Covid, and of course they are told by the Cong. not to call on me, so I would not get the chance to discuss things in person.
Even on-line, I now leave it to others, I cannot be arsed. I found in the early days of leaving when I did debate with them , that the only effective way was to get them to tell ME what they found doubtful about the Org. then I would stick to talking about that one aspect, and direct them to JWFacts or similar. Probably a waste of time doing that I reckon.
My thinking now is that if anyone is determined and blinded enough to stay in, I will not be able to help them. I have offered help and encouragement to a number who upon waking up have asked me for advice, which was a pleasure, I know how valuable it was for me when I first left to get good advice.
Good to hear from you Punkie ! Keep on Rockin' !!
