A 'sister' writes to Silentlambs (page 2)

Elsewhere

A lot of what she has to say is true... however most JWs are utterly convensed that the elders speak with the authority of holy spirit... because of this they would never even consider going against what the elders say.

wannaexit

This "sister" is obviously not seeing the big picture. She thinks that the problems lie locally with a few "jerk elders". She doesn't see that the root of the problem is in Brooklyn with the men there and their flawed policies that have ruined thousands of lives.

wannaexit

abbagail

"...common sense ... systematically removed from (us) via indoctrination." - Six.

Succinct and well said!
I had to put the (us) in there 'cuz that really hit home.

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"...how could so many JWs be imperfect in the same stupid way?" - Nos

The Stepford Witnesses, maybe? ;-)

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There's an article from 4/20/04 in the 'Christian mag' "New Man" about "The Culting of Christianity." It covers the "top 3 modern cults": Mormons (wow, talk about some screwed up teachings!), the JWs (running 2nd!), and New Age: http://www.newmanmag.com/article.php?sid=534&mode=thread&order=0

waiting

BUT, I truly believe we need to put some of the blame on ourselves. I think many of these horrible incidents of abuse could have been possibly prevented, nipped in the bud, or resolved much better than they were if people used some common sense.

abbagail

"...most JWs are utterly convensed that the elders speak with the authority of holy spirit..."

Yes, and that's what so scary. They'd rather 'save' an elder's rep than save a child.

Speaking of HS, that's another thing the GB 'ripped off' from the masses, saying only a 'few' get a big whamo of HS, while the rest of the 'flock' only gets a smidgen of it. I don't remember Jesus dividing up bigger portions of HS to some but not others...
/ag

waiting

BUT, I truly believe we need to put some of the blame on ourselves. I think many of these horrible incidents of abuse could have been possibly prevented, nipped in the bud, or resolved much better than they were if people used some common sense.

This woman gave her story as an example. Her story doesn't mean it's the JW normal response.
"Common sense" is not naturally equated with Jehovah's Witnesses. Cult-like behavior is.
This woman is using the WT Party Line "put some of the blame on ourselves." ie: 1975 fiasco was caused because *some brothers went ahead of Jehovah's Organization.*
This woman is also using the WT Party Line *elders are imperfect men* - but at the same time - *stick with Jehovah* which REALLY means *stick with the Watchtower.*

horrible incidents of abuse could have been possibly prevented,

And how would that happen? To not trust our "spiritual brothers and sisters"? That, indeed, goes against Watchtower indoctrination.....as elders are to be viewed by "the flock" as "Glorious Ones." Until the elder (or Watchtower) screws up - then the elder is an "untrained volunteer" or "itinerant preacher." (quoting Watchtower btw)

myauntfanny

I'd like to see here send that letter to Bethel, her own Elders, and post it at her Kingdom Hall. With her own name signed. Posting anonymously to an apostate site is not exactly raising a stink.

She also completely ignores the fact that when Bill Bowen and Barb Anderson raised a stink, they was DFd. I have yet to meet a JW who can even give a reason for that. They say that they weren't DFd for exposing a coverup, yet they give no other reason, just say they don't know. And content to remain ignorant, as always.

little witch

I would like to know how this particular "sister" gets away with "nipping in the bud" (running ahead of the organization), "using common sense (independant thinking), and choosing whether or not to follow the elders (stubborn spirit)!

Don't tell me that these are unpunishable acts. BS!

Sister is making too much sense to be a good dub. In a perfect world, all witnesses would take responsibility for themselves and their children, but the fact is this heartfelt reaction is offensive and smacks of apostacy according to the watchtower.

I have read so many testimonies of parents who tried to warn other parents in a congregation about a predator, who were booted out of the org as apostates, opposers, independant thinkers etc.

Bill Bowen himself for starters. No, sister. Despite the fact that I admire your strength, it is not possible for a witness to act on the molestation issue and come out unscathed.

And I want you to understand this. The people who are taking a stand on this issue DID NOT LEAVE JEHOVAH. They were rooted out as apostates, opposers, and troublemakers. They cared about the future survivors that are nameless. I am glad your mom stood up for you. I really am. I admire her. But you brag about how she is in "good standing" and I am here to say that if she is enjoying that status, then she didnt make anywhere near the waves that others did.

Lady Lee

I have to wonder what this mother would have done if

she had been threatened with DFing if she went to the police
the abuser was in good standing
she had told others in the cong about the abuse

The elders don't seem to have as big a problem with people going to the police if the accused is not a JW. And that is probably why she got away with it

little witch

I agree with you Lady Lee, and that is the root of my outburst. That is precisly my point, and why I question sister's view. Thanks for saying it better than I.

(I get a little emotional and convoluted about this issue).

A 'sister' writes to Silentlambs

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