i've always found it amazing that people can say with such conviction that jehovah is their friend.. we are talking about a "friend" who perhaps daily "tests" us to see if we are his friends.
all of us have dealt with some form of hardship such as the death of a loved one, chronic illness or whatever.
it is in these cases that the brothers will tell a person that perhaps it is a test, or that "jehovah knows you're not ready" or some other lame excuse.. do our real friends "test" us to see if we will be loyal to them?
Pure imagination.
At tonight's meeting, we will be taught that God could oversee events to benefit his servants. Well, after seeing tragic, horrible, painful deaths of so many self proclaimed "God's friends", it is blatantly obvious that the jerk is nobody's friend.
Like Sam Harris says, if he even exists, he's either impotent or downright evil.
What a nice friend to have.
DY
it's amazing how the expression "the truth" has become such an ingrained term used by witnesses.. "we have 'the truth'".
"is he 'in the truth'?".
most here have found out so many facts about the organisation, and felt the effects of being "gut-punched" as we realised these facts.. so how do you feel about the expression "the truth" now?.
Indifferent. Surely many other organizations claim to have "the truth". Open to mere interpretation.
I never use the term anymore. Society or Organization seem more fitting for the JW outfit.
DY
dear jehovah's witnesses and on-the-fencers.. isn't it even a little bit obvious that the watchtower organisation doesn't have jehovah's blessing?.
if it did, why are your leaders, the governing body, asking you for your money and assets?
surely, jehovah would provide for the organisation without having to use your hard earned money and assets?.
There are many within, I am in that crowd, that just DO NOT CARE. It is just a community in which we feel comfortable and we just go along to get along.
This religion, other religions, it is all crap.
DY
a few years after i quit the meetings my mum needed her medical directive signed and witnessed and she asked if i'd do it.
i was surprised to say the least!.
i think she was just angling to include me and maybe find some lever to get me involved again.
Yes. After all, it's their life and their decision.
Oh, the 'blood' issue. This is one of the ways I know indoctrination runs so very deep within me: Still would not give nor take blood.
Perhaps with time that might change.
DY
a. in 2026 in what state do you think the organization will be?.
) 9million + members.
) roughly the same amount of members as today (7-9 million)..
In 10 years they will be bigger, if only merely due to reproduction and baptizing the youngsters. Also, they will continue evolving to the point that they will seem like a completely different religion.
The paperless movement will be complete and, where available, anyone not using a wireless device will be frowned upon. Already here in the USA anyone that can and does not use a tablet is somewhat ridiculed; our last CO told all elders and their wives that we must set the example in using an iPad or another wireless device during meetings and service.
DY
sorry but i really feel like i need to rant right now.
recently my dad was made an elder so my family has been doing a lot more "theocratic" activities lately.
every morning i wake up and put on my itchy dress and stupid makeup and heels and then pretend that i love what i'm doing and that everybody is my friend when in reality i feel horrible and all the other teenage girls at my hall hate me for some reason.
Concentrate heavily in your secular studies; do the very best you can at it. Try hard to enlist a school counselor that will help you get financial help in order to enroll in a college away from home; tell them how your parents will never help you to grow academically because their religious indoctrination and that you need a lot of outside help to succeed.
Strengthen your non-jw relationships at school, even at perhaps a part-time job you might have; be careful not to associate with kids that will lead you down the smoking, drug using, promiscuous behavior path. Start paving your way out, slowly but surely. Education is power.
DY
well, i have been lurking on this site for several months and i recently decided to join as a member.
i have made several observations and would like to make a few comments.. first, i am perplexed by the attitude of many on this site that are either former or active (but apostate) jws.
they seem to have a strong hatred for the wts and also for rank and file jws.
Truth is relative to the times and circumstances in all cases. Like colors, truth has many shades/variations of the same thing.
Definitely complicated.🤔
DY
some scattered thoughts about the granting or denial of privileges of service as a control mechanism:.
this method of persuasion involving reward or punishment is so deeply ingrained in watchtower function, it is second nature.
although sometimes subtle, sometimes blatant, everyone from new bible study to traveling overseer is subconsciously aware of the possible limiting of his official opportunities to serve god and his brothers.. .
It will continue to dangle 'til we die and people going after it just the same. Sad.
DY
so donating to charities has always been discouraged by the society, as it is a form of support for this "doomed" system.
and of course, "the kingdom" is the only "real solution" to all the problems right?.
but in the meantime, this view gives witnesses a "free pass" from the normal human desire to help out those less fortunate, or ones who were born in another part of the world where life is not as privileged as our own.
Here are some comments said when subject comes up:
"We do one step better than any charity because we do not just give out the fish, we instead teach people to fish."
"Families are responsible to care for their sick/needy."
"The mandate from JC is the preaching and making disciples work. It is what true Christians should be busy doing. The poor/sick/needy will always be with us until the Kingdom comes."
"If people accepted our message and put into practice biblical mandates, they would improve their life. They do not, so, let them suffer the consequence of their actions."
I do know of a few that contribute to cancer charities, though. But, as a group, donations to charities very much discouraged.
DY
so donating to charities has always been discouraged by the society, as it is a form of support for this "doomed" system.
and of course, "the kingdom" is the only "real solution" to all the problems right?.
but in the meantime, this view gives witnesses a "free pass" from the normal human desire to help out those less fortunate, or ones who were born in another part of the world where life is not as privileged as our own.
In my place of work, a group coordinates taking care of a few families' meals during Thanksgiving and toys for local kids during Christmass. It really is nice how they set it up each year. I always contribute to those noble causes.
Big charities make me feel like I am giving my hard earned money their top management. Research how much money these people earn, it is enraging! I mean, millions of dollars paid to top management!!! I always stay local, where I can verify the most money is really being used as intended.
Also, have found ways of putting money in the Salvation Army red kettles and the Ronald McDonald foundation. I have seen first hand how these charities do help the needy.
DY
