Posts by sparrowdown

5

JW's and Ambient Abuse

by Jehovanomics in

jw
friends

ambient abuse is the stealth, subtle, underground currents of maltreatment that sometimes go unnoticed even by the victims themselves, until it is too late.

ambient abuse penetrates and permeates everything but is difficult to pinpoint and identify.

it is ambiguous, atmospheric, diffuse.

sparrowdown

God, yes.

That atmosphere you have an inkling is not healthy, but you just can't put your finger on it.

If you try to analyze it verbally you are told you are being negative, fault-finding etc.

Very cultish.

27

doing some research as to what qualifications someone needs to meet to become an elder, i came up with one conclusion: it's who you know and is very subjective.. funny thing is too, if you searc the wt online library there are not recent articles that describe and outline the requirements.

which makes me think that there were too many requirements and as we all know, it is based now on how close you are with the current co and not necessarily on being a model jw in the congo.

so the borg decided to leave it up all to the co and not tell the rest what to look for on these appointed men.. you could do your hours, be early to the meetings, be prepared, keep your car and house clean, family in good reputation, etc but if you are in the circle then you can forget it.

sparrowdown

From what I can gather the main "qualification" is whether or not the alpha-elder likes you.

From there it is just a matter of convincing the other elders that your'e elder material.

Then, before you know it your'e having the "come in here dear boy, have a cigar, your'e gonna go far" speech.

The rest is technicality, they make anyone appear 'qualified" on paper- if they like you enough, or

you are connected.

19

How to disassociate? HELP

by Mandrake in

i'm looking for a way to disassociate myself, now i'm thinking to make a "public declaration" before a civil law notary (i'm in chile), but i need some ideas about what to put in that declaration, i would like to look the "ks" book to cover all possible sides and make a solid declaration... any experiences?

my plan is to make that legal declaration that would say "i'm no longer consider myself a jehovah's witness nor want to be linked to any of the wt organizations or legal entities, and want all my personal records to be erased"... any orientation will be helpful :).

sparrowdown

Sometimes a clean break is best for closure.

Someone with law background might help with the wording of such a document.

12

Letter to BOE - "Cautions Regarding Shepherding of Sisters"?

by berrygerry in

one gets so used to jw speak.. re-read that question as an outsider.. would the shepherding of sisters be similar to the herding of cats?.

.

sparrowdown

"Herding of cats" ??

Well they can't have pussies running riot can they.

12

Letter to BOE - "Cautions Regarding Shepherding of Sisters"?

by berrygerry in

one gets so used to jw speak.. re-read that question as an outsider.. would the shepherding of sisters be similar to the herding of cats?.

.

sparrowdown

Oh yeah, gotta watch out for those she-devils in spanx, they incite all kinds of impure thoughts and behaviors.

10

My views.

by ivanatahan in

jw
friends

this is more of an introductory post discussing my views and background than anything else, really.. i was, unfortunately, born into this religion.

my mom was, and still is, a pioneer (or as some call it: "piousneer"), and my father is an elder.

admittedly, up until a few months up to a year back, i was indeed a zealous "servant of jehovah".

sparrowdown

You are on the right track ivan, read as much as you can, continue with your formal education, for it is key to a better life.

Whether the GB are sincere but delusional or scamming everyone for personal gain doesn't really matter- wrong is wrong.

I believe the purpose of the org is the same as any other org- to keep itself alive financially, that's all.

14

Double-life, sounds like a prison sentence....or maybe not?

by sparrowdown in

jw
friends

question: do you think the "double-lifers" have the best of both worlds?.

just asking, because i have wondered, if i had an outlet to express my utter.

disgust and general dissatisfaction with wt teachings and cong-life while i. was still in, ie on forums etc, maybe i would never have left.. just a thought, anyone else have any?.

sparrowdown

A recurring theme seems to be staying until family wakes up.

What if that never happens, what if this is as good as it gets?

I am the only one to wake up and cannot bring myself to go any more. I'm not disfellowshipped but I know,

they now view me as weak, which makes for some awkward moments when you run into one of them and

they look at you with that mixture of pity and contempt, and try to "encourage" you with the latest news from

the cong, the obligatory "we miss you" even though it's obvious they feel that you have to come back to

meetings before they will actually show it. The ball is your court for them to show their conditional love.

I have to ask myself at times "wouldn't it be easier to just go and pretend, until I know what to do?"

So I appreciate that there are those of you who say it is just not worth it. Thanks.

14

Double-life, sounds like a prison sentence....or maybe not?

by sparrowdown in

jw
friends

question: do you think the "double-lifers" have the best of both worlds?.

just asking, because i have wondered, if i had an outlet to express my utter.

disgust and general dissatisfaction with wt teachings and cong-life while i. was still in, ie on forums etc, maybe i would never have left.. just a thought, anyone else have any?.

sparrowdown

FML

32

How would you respond to this defense made on behalf of The Watchtower's Child Abuse lawsuits?

by adjusted knowledge in

details of the society's child abuse policies have been published in jehovah's witnesses' publications, although more specific guidelines are only made available to elders, or on request.

press releases issued by the watch tower society's office of public information confirm that if a person accused of molestation repeatedly denies the charges of his victim, and there is no other witness to the incident, "the elders cannot take action within the congregation at that time", but would report to authorities if required by local laws.

our families jehovahs witnesses and child protection.

sparrowdown

This long-winded letter doesn't even come close to addressing childrens rights, families rights, victims rights or basic humanity.

Not good enough.

13

The tale of Angelo and Dan! Have you heard this one??

by DATA-DOG in

long story, short; angelo was bad, he went to prison.

dan was bad, he went to prison too.

dan became a dub and studied with angelo.

sparrowdown

That story about the theif and the bible is one of many variations I have heard-same story different names and places.

Too coincidental not to be a recycled urban myth.

I don't blame you for being suspicious about that story Ddog.