Posts by SAHS

28

governing body my bottom.

by Captain Blithering in

jw
friends

sat on the sound again, listening to this twaddle about the governing body, hearing the parrotted answers and cursing my stupidity and ignorance for the decades in which i did the same.

posting on here during a meeting is fun!

you guys are a great support group.

Here is some useful advice for you: A trick I’ve been using for many years is the ability to actually “play” music in my brain! I can summon and “play” the actual audio track of the familiar music I’ve been listening to beforehand and stored in my memory. It is simply making use of the internal cognitive audio “signal” which anyone can “play” right in their own brain at will. (It’s a literal audio daydream, and we can all do it.) This simple technique has gotten me through many meetings, assemblies, and conventions, believe me.

And of course the other thing which I often do is to consciously bring my brainwaves into a light napping state – not actual sleep with rapid eye movement (REM), but more of a pleasant deep alpha-wave mode (sometimes with the occasional sudden head bobbing if I’m already tired).

The brain/mind is a wonderful thing, and you can learn to put it to good “use” during those lovely indoctrination sessions some of us must still endure at the old kingdom hell.

I can’t wait until I can get my hands on those new “Google glasses” things – you know, that very latest cutting-edge technology whereby you can actually be reading your email or even watching 3D video through Bluetooth on a sleek pair of glasses directly into your eyeballs. You can actually operate your smart phone through the computer interface of the glasses by tracking the movement of your eyeballs, and you can even capture a photograph by blinking your eyelids! (You can check out the link “http://www.google.com/glass/start/” for more details.) To quote Captain Steven Hiller (played by Will Smith) in the movie Independence Day, “I have got to get me one of these!” Now THAT would really be just the thing to help pass the time during those damn meetings!

16

Watchtower.ORG!!!!!

by minimus in

jw
friends

i here that the new advisory for witnesses, should the go on the internet is to only go on the org.

the org.

is all they are concerned about since "others" may have some "misinformation"..

SAHS

Actually, we should all have good reason to trust Jehovah’s earthly organization and it’s Website, jw.org. The world has been promoting inaccuracies and half-truths on the Internet very sporadically and inconsistently for just over the past couple of decades. The organization of the Watchtower, however, has been faithfully and consistently promoting inaccuracies, half-truths, and blatant lies for a whole century!

63

The " HIGHER EDUCATION" thread!!!

by DATA-DOG in

jw
friends

alright.

let's have the ultimate discussion on "higher education.

" let's talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly.

SAHS

“KateWild”: “. . . nepotism and brown nosing (good social skills) bring success, no matter the ability and hard work.”

True. Like they say, “It’s not what you know but who you know.”

You have to weigh the prospect of banging your head on the wall for several years hoping to successfully attain some certificate, diploma, or degree with the fact that there are many folks who fudge, misrepresent, and greatly “expand” their résumés to secure high-paying jobs – and get away with it! So, you might have legitimately acquired your qualifications by burning your brain on some technical or managerial discipline only to find out that the next guy has successfully bluffed and faked his way into it, perhaps by being a smooth talker or having a close family member or good friend get them in, and you’re left out in the cold that day.

It makes sense to pursue the higher education option with the greatest payoff for the most timely and efficient investment (in other words, something that gives you the biggest bang for your buck). A reasonable compromise can often do the trick in the long run. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, the things that really count are happiness, contentment, and serenity, and those don’t really have the necessary correlation to surpassing physical necessities that people may think.

Also, one must remember that things don’t always work out the way they “should,” and sometimes the “best” man doesn’t win and the biggest dog doesn’t get the bone.

21

Can WTBTS legally do this for international conventions.

by joe134cd in

jw
friends

i was just reading this on jwservey with regard to the international conventions.

if an individual selected to attend a special convention loses his exemplary status and is no longer qualified to attend, the delegate should be thoroughly informed of the reason for your decision.

such a person would be fully responsible for any financial loss associated with his abrupt disqualification as a delegate, even up to the time he was supposed to depart.. .

SAHS

“Exemplary status” – that is quite the subjective term. Unlike having been actually disfellowshipped or disassociated, which is a more black-and-white, either-or status formally on record, the status of being “exemplary” or not is a concept which really could be at the discretion or whim of almost anybody with any kind of position in the organizational hierarchy. The idea of being “exemplary” could, as Our Kingdom Ministry has stated, involve ‘having well-behaved children’ – or, it could be a matter of just being “well-reported on,” or having a “good reputation” in the congregation, which would basically be at the mercy of whatever rumor mill is operating around where the person lives (where hearsay and innuendo rule supreme). And, of course, there is the old guilt by association trick; i.e., in the example provided above of harboring a disfellowshipped family member in the home. Being “exemplary” or not is pretty much infinitely broad, and certainly as subjective as you can get.

It would therefore be basically impossible to establish with any kind of factual or legal veracity whether a congregation member would be rightly deemed as not exemplary. It would basically boil down to a he-said-she-said scenario.

As for the actual monetary expenses involved, I would think that it would depend on whether or not there had been any prearranged deposit made through the Watchtower corporation. The Watchtower couldn’t be responsible for any deposit made directly to any lodging facilities by an individual member. However, you would think that any deposit made through the Watchtower would be considered a legally binding arrangement or contract, and as such would be subject to mandatory refund if the member/client was denied satisfaction of the services already prepaid due to some intangible and arbitrary judgment which couldn’t even be proven in any event.

As an analogy, think of someone purchasing, say, a vacation package through a travel agency, or perhaps purchasing an item through an online fulfillment service such as E‑Bay. If the business arbitrarily denied the client his/her right to the services already prepaid (especially due to some disingenuous and improvable “hang‑up” they had about the client, such as being gay or having red hair, etc.), then you would think that they would morally, and probably legally, be obligated to refund the client their funds. That would certainly be the essence of “natural law,” because, after all, fair is fair – even for an evangelical corporate giant such as the Watchtower.

63

The " HIGHER EDUCATION" thread!!!

by DATA-DOG in

jw
friends

alright.

let's have the ultimate discussion on "higher education.

" let's talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly.

SAHS

The essence of all of this, I believe, is the overall interests of the particular individual, as opposed to the corporate mandates of any commercial or religious organization (like the one we all know).

What comes to mind is a practical and comforting pragmatic philosophical perspective known as the “Serenity Prayer” (yes, I have been going to AA meetings), and it simply goes like this:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

The courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.”

In other words, I believe that the individual should be empowered to choose the best course in life for himself/herself, in accordance with his/her unique and overall best interests, and whatever may be the developments along the way or the results of any of those developments (expected or not), that individual would do best in all respects by simply being satisfied with and accepting of their own decisions and circumstances, and strive to simply live in the present moment (which, of course, is all anyone can do; you can resent and worry over the eternal past and future, but, logically, you can only live in the present).

“DATA-DOG” is certainly quite perceptive in relating that having to work hard and tediously daily because of not having sufficient education relevant to one’s vocational aptitude – as well as having to work hard and tediously daily because of having that sufficient education – “both sound terrible.” Indeed, a healthy “balance is needed.” One can be wasted by a lack of vocational and financial success – but, also, one can be ruined by such “success” in compulsively striving (slaving!) for the unattainable and insatiable, just like a hamster on a wheel or a donkey running after that carrot.

All said and done, I believe that at the end of the day, success, serenity, and well-being are certainly that which is in the eye of the individual beholder. . . . And they don’t have to relate to dollars and cents.

36

Quite an interesting first meeting with my Therapist.

by truthseekeriam in

jw
friends

the moment i mentioned jehovah's witnesses he headed over to his file cabinet and handed me this print out.. .

dear beloved one, .

i see your loneliness and fears.

SAHS

I was seeing an addictions therapist for a little over a year who works in an office directly associated with the local municipal hospital – she is not an actual MD doctor, but she has certification in psychological-type disciplines. She was very objective and practical, but she showed me a couple of little snippets from a book she aspires to relating to Zen and Taoism meditation and ideas – although I suppose that is more of a new-age philosophy than a religion, as it is more about philosophical enlightenment than religious dogma (especially of the evangelical persuasion). She didn’t promote it but would just refer to it for the logical and practical merits which seemed advantageous to her personally. (She’s not a Buddhist or anything – she’s a very rational, secular, scientific Scottish Canadian.)

I suppose every practitioner has their little pet philosophies and psychological/metaphysical interpretations. But, of course, the more purely objective and scientific, the better, especially in our modern logical and practical humanist society.

36

Quite an interesting first meeting with my Therapist.

by truthseekeriam in

jw
friends

the moment i mentioned jehovah's witnesses he headed over to his file cabinet and handed me this print out.. .

dear beloved one, .

i see your loneliness and fears.

SAHS

I agree that it usually might be somewhat inappropriate for a therapist to quickly whip out a little paper about a loving perspective of God (“Your Heavenly Father”) on the very first visit (except, of course, for one who is upfront from the beginning about being the type who works “within a faith based Christian framework”).

However, I think that the therapist showing a patient such a paper should really be viewed as simply presenting an example of the essence of Christian values among the vast majority of Christian adherents; i.e., from a psychological/sociological and statistical perspective. In other words, I think that the therapist was merely illustrating the basic difference categorically between the popular non-judgmental love and tolerance espoused by modern Christianity and the rather cold, legalistic, and indeed even draconian policies of a religious “group” such as Jehovah’s Witnesses.

In all fairness to the therapist, I think that the motive behind presenting that paper was not to effect some sort of opportunistic brainwashing session but, rather, simply to illustrate a simple point – that being the noticeable difference (statistically and substantially) between the Watchtower religion and the vast majority of nominal Christianity, and where the Watchtower’s corporate-agenda-based version of “Christianity” stands in comparison (i.e., not really so loving or psychologically beneficial). And I think that the therapist illustrated the point effectively (assuming, of course, that that was the point being conveyed).

I appreciate the modern political correctness and professional etiquette perspective in general; however, as to ascribing negative judgment as to motives and methods, all I can say is, Fair is fair. Let’s not clamor for a hanging when none should really be deserved.

25

So, here's a new definition of 'apostacy'

by ItsMyLife in

jw
friends

if you allow your child to have a part in the nativity play, it's apostacy.

even if the child just stands there, dressed as a an animal.

with no lines.. even if you've been inactive for several months.. talk about extremes and emotional blackmail!.

SAHS

I think the problem with the classic nativity scene, according to the WTS, are the “three wise men” depicted as visiting Jesus when he was just a newborn infant. Apparently those Oriental men (“Magi”) didn’t visit Jesus until he was a boy old enough to be walking and talking (at least a couple of years old, I think), and also, the Bible doesn’t state exactly how many men visited. The three supposed “kings” visiting a newborn Jesus, I suppose, is somewhat of a religious “urban legend.”

HOWEVER, I believe that anything having too much to do with Jesus seems to be rather repugnant to the WTS, because, after all, they have taken his place (i.e., baptism in accordance with Jehovah’s “spirit-directed organization”). Now, if the nativity scene in the play was replaced with characters representing Jehovah and the eight members of the most holy Watchtower Governing Body, then I think you would be off the hook.

Instead of squabbling and judging over silly semantics, the WTS, if it were really appointed by God’s son, Jesus Christ, should be focusing on him – Jesus – and stop pointing their ignorant, narcissistic finger at real Christians!

12

RESPONSE: Letting Go of the Need to Have Approval - MUST READ!

by gmason972 in

jw
friends

thanks for the responses everybody!...nice to know i'm not alone in this.

the one thing that the watchtower society has taught me is to never place your value and worth in the hands of other people!....

once you look deep down inside yourself and let go of the need to have approval from others...you will find out things about you; you didn't know before.

SAHS

“gmason972”:

“. . . you only need 3 things to be truly happy and that is (HEALTH, WEALTH, AND HIGHER SELF) . . . 2. Financial Freedom”

Some rather deep and philosophical thoughts for sure. However, the only things I take exception to are the strong references to “wealth” and “financial” freedom. I believe that anyone can be happy by enjoying whatever they do have.

Everybody has something that they can enjoy (even if it’s just a rock or a stick) – and everybody does have something which they can enjoy, such as watching sunsets, birds, clouds, cars, or anything else. A person with zero dollars and zero cents can enjoy the flow of endorphins (such as serotonin and dopamine) in his/her brain as they walk or run for exercise, or sing, or laugh, or eat something, or hug someone, etc., etc. And, of course, everybody has a mind which can produce joy and fulfillment as they seek to learn something intriguing or exciting about their environment. I find that watching various scientific documentaries online (for free) about the brain, psychology, gravity, black holes, electrons, photons, etc. is extremely fascinating and captivating. (More of those endorphins for me, eh.)

One reason I tend to take exception to the whole “need-financial-wealth-to-be-happy” thing is that I myself do not have very much money. Oh, I have a modest few thousand dollars to my name, but unfortunately there is a minus sign in front of it; i.e., I owe it. Much of it is a result of my compulsive personal spending habits, I confess, but I am also now living on disability due to some unfortunate problems with severe depression, anxiety, and trouble concentrating. (It’s not exactly like being a big lottery winner, by any means.) In any event, I am still in need of living at home with my folks until I can sort of get on my feet financially – whenever that might be. (Sigh.) But in the meantime, I seek to embrace a personal philosophy of consciously enjoying whatever simple – and free – little joys and pleasures I have. Right now, I am on my Mac Book Pro laptop in my humble little Ford Focus with my friend’s Australian Shepherd dog beside me (I really love him – he’s my lovely boy!) enjoying a thermos of coffee, watching the world go by (just finished reading The Gentile Times Reconsidered, by Carl Olof Jonsson), . . . and, you know what? I actually consider this peaceful little “cocoon” of mine to be true wealth and freedom. . . . And I’m sure I get real enjoyment and fulfillment from it more than most folks do their silly God damn dollars and cents!

Enjoy life. You might as well.

49

Which people in here (or apostate) would you like to actually meet in person?

by ILoveTTATT in

jw
friends

i would like to meet so many people!

actually hang out with them and see if we get along after meeting in person!.

here's my list:.

SAHS

Certainly the main man, Simon. I’m sure he must have an interesting story to tell. I’d like to thank him for making this site – it was very instrumental in me discovering TTATT.

Minimus, for sure. I always love his very poignant and thought-provoking questions, which seem to bring out the nitty-gritty thoughts and feelings of the JW and post-JW community, including curious lurkers and those who have taken the full apostate plunge. It’s a way to sort of take the true, hidden “pulse” of those affected by the WT organization.

And, of course, Blondie. I’d like to give her a thumbs-up for providing her objective insights every week, which actually seem to be grounded in stark reality as opposed to the constant Kool-Aid purveying we got from the WT heirarchy.

I’m surprised nobody would like to meet me and pet my furry coat as you see in my avatar. I’m the cute, lovable dog Maui, who plays Murray on the 90s sitcom “Mad About You.” (Just kidding. I’m still cute, though.)