The Firm and The WTS

by bj 13 Replies latest jw friends

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  bj

  I would like to share with you the following comparison that is based from the book THE FIRM by John Grisham:

  The main character is Mitchell McDeere, a young advocate who was recruited by a small, but well-respected law firm. They promised him a colourful future if he abide with their codes. (nice officee, good wage, car, house, friends, holidays, etc.

  Time passed, dedicating all his energy in the firm. Because of it, the relationship with his wife started deteriorating. One day, he noticed some secret files. This led him to investigate. Soon, he realised who were really behind the firm. The problem? There was no way out, he was trapped. If he spoke, they would silence him (by killing him as they already did to others). If he try to run away, he would loose everything, and the worst, they would chase him. The only alternative, play the ostrich game and become like the rest. This is where nightmares begin ...

  Does this novel remind you in something? Two friendly faces, approach your door, proposing a free 'Bible Study', only one hour a week. The first deception, turns to be a 'book study' and not really a 'Bible Study'. From the beginning, the student is encouraged to answer from the book (which is not really from his own) From "just only one hour a week", becomes nearly a full engagement. Because of it, sadly to say, many couples finally, ended up dived.

  If the student (who by now is baptised) wants his many new 'friends' and 'privledges' he has to abide to The Society codes, which are many: how to dress, what to read, which music to listen, what to celebrate, who to court, what medecine to accept, how to educate his kids, what to practise in bed, etc.

  One day, he notice another change in the WTS teachings. This leads him to investigate. He soon discover, he is misled on many other things. The Gpverning Body, are not much better than the other religious leaders, who are hypocrites, teach one thing, but they do the opposite. Now, what should he do? If he speaks, the Elders would disfellowship him. (in a night he would loose everything) If he walks out, he is disassociated, same consequences, (also his file keeps running after him). And if he try to plat the ostrich, his conscience keeps bothering him, for being an hypocrite§ Therefore, he realize, that there is no honorable way out from the WTS. His nightmares begin ...

  Went through it all!!!!
• 

  Gopher

  Hi BJ,

  Thanks for the interesting post, and welcome to the board (not the Borg, LOL).

  Judging from the last line of your post, you have an interesting story to tell. Maybe you'd like to share bits and pieces of it as time goes on. This forum (as you obviously know) is an excellent place to vent and gain support, empathy, encouragement or just a listening ear (and not the judgmental 'listening ear' you'd expect from your local congregation).

  Look forward to hearing more from you, bj.

  Gopher
• 

  bj

  Thanks Gopher,

  Have you read my first (yesterday) message: WTS vs HISTORY?
• 

  Thirdson

  Hi Bj,

  You make an interesting comparsion using "the Firm". In the end of book (if I remember correctly) Mitch gets enough evidence together that he can blackmail his way out. Neither the firm nor the mob will do anything because they fear being exposed.

  Having inside information is a help. There are ways to leave intact. Some people have inside information, and a lot of this has been shared. The "secret" elders manual is available on-line and the new version, which apparently will be released soon, will quickly make its way to a website.

  Knowing the WTS "fears" many have walked away intact and without hateful Watchtower labels attached to them. It may take some planning, just don't rush to leave.

  Thirdson

  'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
• 

  BugEye

  BJ,

  Interesting but stretching it.

  BTW, where I come from, bj stands for Blow Job, are you after free advertising or something?

  Dave
• 

  Prisca

  can we say "blow job" on this site???
• 

  Mommie Dark

  When I read that book, before the end of the first chapter I was saying, 'hey dude, are you frickin' STOOPID?' to Mitch. I wanted to slap the author for making his alleged golden boy so moronic. As Heinlein's Lazarus Long put it, TNSTAAFL!!!! (there's no such thing as a free lunch) Apparently Grisham thinks that a hongry Kaintucky boy would be too blinded by yuppie promises to figure out that an offer too good to be true probably has a hook buried in it somewhere. I was quite annoyed that everyone thought this was such a wonderful book. The plot 'twist' wasn't even a lazy spiral...

  Having said that, it's too bad I wasn't smart enough to extrapolate Heinlein's law into my personal religious indoctrination! The Jehoober Witless version of paradise is just another lunch-on-a-hook, pretty bait to attract hungry victims who, to their dismay, will become the meal rather than the guest.

  TNSTAAFL!!!!
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  patio34

  Gopher,

  Could you please elaborate a bit on the leaving WTS intact? I am in the process for the past 3 months of 'drifting away,' and would like any pointers. Btw, I am using my health and family circumstances (2 grandkids staying with me 24-7) as an excuse.

  Thanks for any help you can offer.

  Pat
• 

  patio34

  Bj,

  Welcome to the board! I enjoyed your comparison. There are many comparisons that have been noted in other stories.

  Have you seen "The Matrix," "Truman's Story"? Or that movie "Payback" with Mel Gibson where the 'organization' is concealed by the front office and he can never get to the top guy?

  It's wonderful to have the blinders off, isn't it?

  Pat
• 

  slipnslidemaster

  I am in the process for the past 3 months of 'drifting away,' and would like any pointers.

  Well, 3 months is a really short time. If you can tell me how to drift away and actually have them let me freaking drift away after 7 years, please tell me!

  I would have to say, be polite, don't let them catch you at anything and just fade. Don't let the elders come over, try to avoid them. If you can move, move.

  My rule is that I won't talk to the elders unless they call and make an appointment first. You would be surprised what a chore this is for them. If they can't drop by unannounced on a Sunday afternoon, well! then they will start to not bother anymore. Seems as if picking up the telephone is too much for them. Simple courtesy a challenge for their feeble brains.

  Slipnslidemaster: Doin' the humpty hump...just doin' the humpty hump...