I just wanted to thank you all for your help!
Gopher,
I think you are totally right in that talking to them is like talking to a brick wall. I know that anything I say will most likely not make a difference, but then again, why are we all here? I totally understand what you are talking about regarding their ignorance though. I just fear my silence will make him think I agree with him. Thank you again!
Path,
Exactly - it's funny how they think they are above some scriptures. So self-righteous. Thanks for your help!
TR!!
How's it goin? Yes it is much better now!!! I tell him about my new, improved, happy life every chance I get. I must have really ticked him off for him to quote that scripture to me. I wonder if this is his way of trying to see if I believe JWs are the only "way", because I haven't challenged any doctrines yet - just hit "common sense" stuff. To me the scripture sounds like, even though you might be doing upright things, you still end up dying. JWs sure don't like it when someone else interprets a scripture differently! :o) I think it's finally getting to the point where its just too hard not to offend him anymore. Thanks for your help, again!! Hope all is well!!
DannyBear,
You really got me thinking too! I'm sure he's already got his brick wall built all around, but even so, I think I'll turn it on him anyway. What is "THE LIST"? Is there a specific "list" you are talking about? Or were you just referring to the former JW leaders (CTR, JFR, etc.)? I think he will read the next email no matter what I say. I think he is that curious. My mom thinks like you - that there is always hope.
Messenger,
I was laughing outloud at what you said!! :o)
Thinker,
Whoa - those were good ones!!! :o)
Seeker,
Excellent! Even Jesus talked to Satan. He talked to sinners as well. But JWs (unlike Jesus) will not hear the other side and are forbidden to hear it or read about it. Jesus even let Satan test his faith.
Seedy,
Thanks for the great links!
I am not going to send him a message until later in the week. I am certain he will read it. My mom really thought I should print what he said in the paragraph surrounding the scripture - it really got her going. So, for those interested here it is (remember, this guy's an elder!) :o) He quoted such an uplifting, encouraging scripture, don't you think?? :o) He wrote this after I told him why I decided not to pioneer - that at the time (13 yrs ago), I was thinking I was young, so plenty of time, even though the "end" was lurking around every corner. Here was his response. (the bolding and caps within the bold was mine)
You mentioned that you "were young and had plenty of time to serve Jah full-time if I so desired at a later date." Do you still think there is a possibility of that? It would seem to me that the longer you are "out," the less likely the chances are that you'll see the urgent need to even come to any meetings or observe the memorial. I don't want you to think I am unsympathetic or don't care about your feelings, cuz I do. I read also of how you decided to do what you thought was best for you. That is important to be true to yourself and make your own decisions. I just wish you could've done that and hung in there. It didn't have to be an all or nothing choice. It pains me to say this but it reminds me of a scripture that you probably know, about how we might think our own way is the best way, but in the end it ends up hurting us.(Prov. 14:12) I wish so much there was some glimmer of hope that you could see the value of coming back. :o) Its not that WE want you to be perfect either. Maybe that is what your parents expected, which is wrong. I don't see the value of running people off by expecting them to live up to perfection, no one can. I have such a hard ,difficult time writing this to you. I hope I haven't offended you by being frank.
It really bothered me at 1st, but I've calmed down now.
Bye all! Sorry so lengthy! Thanks again!
