just a small aside question
Also in the May Kingdom Ministry, is a 4 page article about family bible study
when i was in the borg the KM was only 4 pages in total. Is it bigger now?
CO's talk: "Those who leave the truth say they've never been happier"
by truthseeker 78 Replies latest jw friends
-
Crumpet
-
MidwichCuckoo
Last week I asked a JW visitor about a few dates - firstly if the Heavens were 'closed' in 1935, how is it possible for some ''Annointed'' to be only in their 50s.The answer I received, frankly, I didn't understand - something about angels holding back the 4 winds...
This all has a lot to do with how long it has been since "this generation" saw 1914 and the fact that the WTS redefined the word "generation" to mean an indefinite period of time.
Then I asked about 1914 - the generation that would not pass away. Basically, JW waffled and I still haven't a clue - but then again, I don't think he did either.
Be gentle with them - it can't be easy having to change your beliefs as often as they're made to.
-
HoChiMin
Reading this made me think like a JW for a split second, now I feel sick to my stomach and have a headache.
HCM
-
AK - Jeff
Kinda funny isn't it - that being happier can be spun to mean that one is really miserable spiritually. How can they explain away all the Psalms that speak of joy and happiness in serving God? No Bible example comes to mind to support the idea that to serve God has to be a struggle to prove we are doing so!
What a bunch of horse-pukky!!
Jeff
-
TheListener
Crumpet, the KM is still 4 pages. But, just about every month there is an insert that is also 4 pages(back and front). Therefore you get a total of 8 pages.
-
Sunspot
***My first thought was that this is some sort of pre-emptive strike. Implant this explanation into pliable minds and should they ever be confronted by a 'happy fader' they can simply dismiss them as lazy, no need to dwell on their reasons for happiness.
Nic,
I thought the same thing! It's now a case of seeing someone who has left or is fading, (and seems SO much happier now), and "let that be a lesson to you" mindset that those people are not REALLY happy because they're not "pleasing Jehovah" any longer.
The aim of this being that they MAY APPEAR to be happier, but that if they are not applying themselves (slaving for the WTS), then their lives are worthless anyway. So BEWARE of being happy, slaves!
***Seems like they have an answer for everything - but at least it's good to see the flexibility in thinking.
Steve2,
They've had a LOT of time to devote to thinking up these "answers". AFA flexibility goes...well, they've taken a half step forward. Not much in the way of progress, huh? They're still 10 years behind, at best!
***How can they explain away all the Psalms that speak of joy and happiness in serving God?
I think they equate it with a false sense of "peace of mind", like a prolonged dentist's visit. You do it because you firmly believe that it will benefit you in the "end" (little pun here) so you endure what is very unpleasant!
*** No Bible example comes to mind to support the idea that to serve God has to be a struggle to prove we are doing so!
Well...there are a few references to pummeling one's body and leading it about as a SLAVE (nice connection there) and with the "struggle" to remain squeezed onto that extremely narrow road that you can be bumped from at any given time.
THEN..... There is also that MOST encouraging scripture that says that after you've done everything that was asked of you, and you were worn down to a complete frazzle and basket case------that you MAY be saved on the great day (Zeph 2:2) You MAY make it through!!! I HATED when they read that one. It was like.....what gives? (or more like "why bother?)
***What a bunch of horse-pukky!!
Amen!
-
luna2
My first thought was that this is some sort of pre-emptive strike. Implant this explanation into pliable minds and should they ever be confronted by a 'happy fader' they can simply dismiss them as lazy, no need to dwell on their reasons for happiness ...Nic
I thought the same thing! It's now a case of seeing someone who has left or is fading, (and seems SO much happier now), and "let that be a lesson to you" mindset that those people are not REALLY happy because they're not "pleasing Jehovah" any longer ...Sunspot
Well, shoot! That messes up my whole plan to undermine the faith of the "friends" in this area by demonstrating how much happier I am now.
The FDS has always been good at mangling truth to fit their vision. At first they were quite positive in their assertions that certain things would happen in a specific time frame, then as those dates slid by, they came up with creative "new light" that got more and more vague until now many good JW's can even explain what they stand for and are trying to preach.
Tthe org can't even hide that so many that leave aren't guilt-stricken, sad, and tormented wrecks, but are actually at peace and finding happiness without them, so they have to explain that away too. I feel badly for those that still think they are on the one and only "narrow path". It's so very confusing to be a dub these days.
Really, the only lingering unhappiness I have is regrets for decisions I made based on influence from the Tower.
-
Honesty
If only the average JW could experience true happiness for one day. I bet the exodus from slavery to the GB would be of epic proportions never before seen.
-
Sunspot
If only the average JW could experience true happiness for one day. I bet the exodus from slavery to the GB would be of epic proportions never before seen.
Reading this comment made me think of a talk that a CO gave one time! He asked if he said that tomorrow wouldn't count against you, and that you were free to go and do anything you wanted for the day------how many of you would choose to go and do something that "displeased Jehovah " (tm)?
Of course he didn't ask for a show of hands....but he wanted to make sure that we all wanted to do exactly as the WTS said we should...or be ashamed of our own desires. I have thought about that question so many times......and I often wished that we could have honestly discussed this openly (Of course---without fear of repercussion!) Might have been interesting!
Annie
-
BrendaCloutier
I just realized after cogitating on this subject overnight that while I was "in the Truth(t)" I didn't feel. I wasn't allowed anything other than a fake plastic smile and the emotion that everything was just fine.
I've since learned the F.I.N.E. is just an acronym for Fouledup Insecure Neurotic Emotional: But I'm FINE dammit.
Since leaving JWdom I've HAD and HAVE feelings and emotions. I am happier in general. I am allowed sadness, anger, elation, trivia, joy, frustration, exhaustion, confusion, and the whole range of the emotional spectrum. AND I'm allowed to EXPRESS them!