Women in the congregation

by fairchild 20 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  fairchild

  The fact that women are not allowed to address the congregation directly is something that really bothers me. I don't know exactly why, but it does. Is there a bible scripture, indicating that such should be the case? Furthermore, something as simple as passing a mike cannot be done by a woman. Why not? A woman reading a paragraph during the bookstudy seems out of the question. Why?

  This reminds me, we have a small book study group, consisting mainly of women. With only 3 adult males, it is needless to say that there isn't much choice as to who is going to read. The guy who usually does the reading has a very hard time doing it. He hopelessly stumbles over every word that consists of more than 6 letters. On the other hand, there are several women present who are excellent readers, but they are not allowed to do it.

  I really would like to know the biblical grounds -if any- for the participation (or lack thereof) of women in the congregation.

  Let me add a personal dilemma to this. I live in a small town and write for a local paper. My first book will be on the market in 2006. Because I like to stay ahead of the game, I have already started the promotion of my book, through local TV and papers. Being female and a regular at the KH, I have been trying to find out how the JW react to this. Believe it or not, I can't figure it out. It seems every time I bring up the subject of my book being published, they start talking about something else, but this might be coincidence. Does anyone here think that being a (female) published author would cause a problem for me in the congregation?
• 

  under74

  "Does anyone here think that being a (female) published author would cause a problem for me in the congregation?"
  
  
  Well, congrats on your book...I'm not so sure with this question that it has much to do with you being a woman. It's generally frowned upon to bring attention to yourself--even if you didn't bring it up, if there's any media or outside attention given to you or your book it could be taken as unchristian behavior or you wanting to draw attention to yourself. Also, to be successful at anything other than pioneering or pounding out kids isn't looked at well. Also remember that jealousy runs rampant in Kingdom Halls.
  
  But don't let it get to you. The elders aren't going to pay your bills. You need to do, what you need to do.
• 

  Incense_and_Peppermints

  It seems every time I bring up the subject of my book being published, they start talking about something else, but this might be coincidence.

  it's not a coincidence. jw's think about every move they make because it is ingrained in them to always be circumspect in their behavior, and whenever they want to deflect something, they change the subject. as far as that other stuff goes, according to them, we are subject to men, and beneath men, 'cause we were created for him from his rib, and he wasn't created for us, or something idiotic like that.

  hey, congratulations on your book!
• 

  Country Girl

  Makes about as much sense as a baptized female, taking her non-baptized son, on a Bible Study, and she has to put a napkin on *her* head, becuase he's a male, but she has to pray FOR him, because he can't pray because he's non-baptized, but she has to PRAY FOR HIM, and STILL SHOW SUBMISSION. Go figure.. Beats me. This religion stumps me all the time.

  CG
• 

  fairchild

  Thanks, under74. That's kind of what I thought. Drawing attention to oneself is probably not a good thing to do. But would that be the same, for males as well as for females?
• 

  fairchild

  Country girl, your post made me smile. Here they don't use napkins, they usually bring an oversized hat.

  Peppermints, I understand that we are subject to men, but I can't help wondering how not passing a mike shows that subjection. As a matter of fact, wouldn't it make more sense for women to pass a mike? (Like serve the man by handing him a mike when he wants to say something?) Obviously, I'm kidding here, but it makes sense, doesn't it?
• 

  under74

  It depends a lot on the individual JW.
  
  I can surely see some 60 year old elder hearing of a woman's success in the world and being reminded that he could have gone to college or taken a better job because it would have interfered with his KH duties being resentful and using good old fashioned sexism to put you in your place. But...this is hypothetical.
  
  I think that a lot of men would go through the same thing you're going through it just might be displayed differently.
  
  It also might depend on where you stand in the KH. That being if someone with say a well loved family in the KH might fair better than someone with say several family members that have been DFd. What I mean by this is if you're really popular it might be a little easier.
• 

  TheEdge

  Many Congratulations fairchild - and it's also nice to see that some Congregations are moving with the times (an oversized hat instead of a napkin - that's QUITE a big step).

  I agree with Under74, I think the elders (mostly, not all) generally have something to prove.
• 

  Maverick

  Congrads one the book fairchild.

  The treatment of women in the WTS is a crime and a total waste of valuable resources. But it does serve their sad purposes. They don't want thinking people. Men and women that have a problem with their male domination policy won't stay, or if they do they suppress their distain. And that will cause mental conflict and then mental illness. That is the mechanism the WTS use to subjugate their slaves.

  As for their reaction...they are a petty and jealous lot!... How dare you think and do well, woman! You should serve the men and be happy God even lets you into His Organization!... What rubbish!

  You need that bunch, like you need a lobotomy! In fact to stay in and be happy a lobotomy would be a good idea! Mav
• 

  blondie

  I have known conductors to choose a sister to read if the brother is fairly hopeless and slows down the study. The brother is supposed to be a passable reader.

  I have seen where BOEs insist that the conductor conduct and do the reading.

  ***

  km 7/77 p. 4 Question Box ***

  One assigned to this privilege should also be a good example in the congregation. Must the reader be a baptized brother? This is preferable but not a requirement. If none of the baptized brothers in the group are good readers, the book study conductor may decide just who in his group would be able to read in a way that would be of the greatest benefit to all in attendance. At times this may require using sisters at the book studies. It is helpful to assign readers in advance.