Is it me, or is there a 'quiet revolution' going on? Maybe 'revolution' is not the correct word. I just went on E-Watchman's site and looked on the Guest Page. A lot of people there are active witnesses, who are 'examining their beliefs' in accordance with E-Watchman's works. But, his site is not the only one where a lot of active dubs post.
JW.com is probably the most popular JW forum in the world - there are a lot of active dubs posting (and lurking) here.
I am one of them, but there seems to be a surge of interest into the doings and sayings of what the Society would call 'opposers.'
When I go to the District Convention, I sometimes stop and think..I look..at all the brothers and sisters walking/running down the corridors and think to myself, "Are there any here that go on xJW sites? Do they listen extra intently to the program to post us the latest? Do they cringe in embarrasement when they hear the Society lie on matters such as child abuse?"
Consider this posting on E-Watchman's site a few days ago...
Wanted to share my feelings callous elders and congregations. I have been in different congregations. My experience in some has not always been pleasant. I was appointed an elder at the age of 26 so when I was asked to move to other congs sometimes I was not received so well by the older elders. Some viewed me as just a child so whatever I had to say was disregarded. But in my most recent assignment the experience has been opposite. This cong is right next door to the one I was in & the difference in attitude and the spirit of the congregation is like night and day. I was starting to get discouraged as an elder. There I was not consulted on even the smallest of a matter. But now it is the opposite in my newest assignment although I am still the youngest elder on the body at age 32 I am respected and my input is highly regarded by the others. This is the way it should be. Since I have moved there 2 years ago I have seen the congregation increase from 54 publishers to over 100! This in a small town of less than 7,000 with the county population being around 13,000. To me this is how a congregation should be. That is not how the majority seem to be anymore. The other cong. territory has a population of nearly 30,000 and only 52 publishers. Tell me what is wrong with that picture? I'll let him be the judge. Elder don't let your position go to your head. Remember you are just a slave and no better than any publisher in the congregation. Be fair and understanding, not dogmatic and unreasonable.
Aside from his interesting observations, don't you see how major something like this is? When an active elder posts on a forum, we accept it and move on. This has become commonplace. But, it's so big a deal. Why?
A few years ago, I could never have comprehended and active witnesses going on xJW sites, much less Elders, CO's and DO's. Things have really changed in the last few years.
Bottom line? what I am trying to say, is that active witnesses are feeling more comfortable about visiting and joining discussions on JW sites, even arguing with 'professed' apostates.
This change in the JW's programming is similar to the android Data when he first received his emotion chip.
The Society must know this, their trained and trusted elders are going behind their backs, and for good reason, to post on boards like this.
Watchtower - you can run, but you can't hide.