I thought I maybe had drank too much or had an outofbody experience as I didn't recall starting any threads lately.
After searching, I found this thread which was initiated by incognito2014.
Incognito
JoinedPosts by Incognito
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12
Does the President of the WT have any power?
by BU2B ini thought about this after reading incognito's thread.
i was wondering if anyone here has any idea what the president of the wt actually does or if he truly has any real power, or if he is merely the gb puppet..
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Detroit International Convention, June 6-8 - IS the public invited?
by Faithful Witness inmy mom was worrying out loud, about inviting the "public" to this event.
she told me they were announcing that people were not booking their hotels fast enough, and "we don't want to make the jw's look bad!
she told me about a promotional video they all watched, full of propaganda about the ford field house and all the arrangements that had been made for transportation and parking, and the city of detroit.
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Incognito
Faithful Witness said: Do they divide the groups geographically, or would they purposely split them apart?
The W/T operates with little regard to member’s convenience, finances or what is logical or efficient.
I recognised this especially when congregations were assigned to conventions 300-400 miles away when there were other conventions only ~100 miles away. At times, there were congregations located East of us which were assigned to a convention West of us whereas we were assigned to the farther easterly convention.
This highly contradicts the lame excuse of high gas prices stated when the weekly local book studies were stopped from being held in JW homes a few years back.
I believe the frequent reassignment of congregations to CAs (now Regional Assemblies) & DCs is due to:
- To appear the organization is progressive and is expanding at a rate which requires constant re-organization.
- As so many JWs are leaving, faithful attendees will not recognize that JWs they normally expect to see at each CA/DC, are not there as they are no longer attending. Attendees would assume that whoever was not seen, were assigned to a different circuit or district assembly.
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I need some encouragement.. Well Mrs.ObjectiveTruth needs some encouragement.
by objectivetruth inhey everyone.. i'm trying to convince mrs.objectivetruth to join the forum, but she's a bit nervous.
perhaps if you all can give her some words of encouragement, it will convince her to join the jwn family... btw she already knows ttatt.. she's just not convinced to join the forum..
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Incognito
Welcome Mrs. O T.
Feel free to introduce yourself. We won't bite....well, not hard anyway! ;-)
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The REAL reason for the elder and ms appointment change......
by EndofMysteries inas seen in recent posts, beginning later this year appointments and deletions of elders and ms will only happen through the circuit overseer.
this means that individual congregations and elders have no say anymore.
if the gb want only certain people in or out, they tell the co and he makes it happen.
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Incognito
IMO, it would be short sighted or naive for WT to believe it can avoid culpability by assigning blame on the C/O.
The C/O has someone to report to at Bethel and his responsibilities, agenda and schedule are set by those at a higher level. He is not an independent contractor who can set his own agenda, schedule or policies and procedures. As long as the C/O has followed the directives that he is required to follow, the court should look at the structure that controls the C/O's actions including any 'secret' elders manuals which dictate procedures elders are to adhere to. I suspect there is a similar manual for C/O's.
To further avoid culpability, W/T do not print all policies in the elders manuals but instead have the C/O or D/O verbally 'revise' and add to the manual during circuit elders meetings whereby elders are to each make his own notes in the manual's margins. This way, W/T can then claim during a law suit, the elder misunderstood comments from the C/O - D/O and that W/T is not liable. It would be fairly simple for a lawyer to discredit such a claim by subpoenaing the elders manuals from 6 other elders to compare their margin notes. If they all are fairly consistent, this would help establish there was no misunderstanding which also leads to the question, why weren't the revisions provided to elders in written format to ensure consistency?
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Your Experience with Resigning as an Elder
by committeechairman ini'm considering resigning as an elder.
i'm not planning to fade or stop as one of jehovah's witnesses, just stop serving as an elder.. i have responsibility in the congregation and in circuit, district, rbc, etc.
and i'm completely exhausted.
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Incognito
CC said:
FullTimeStudent:
That is a great suggestion. My friends that have resigned did so in one fell swoop, not in a gradual manner you suggest.
As a JW, you are looked down upon equally whether you don't do one thing or ten. Is it better to prolong the pain of pulling the bandage off slowly or rip it off quickly and be done with it?
nowwhat said:
we need elder insiders!
No we don't. Although we all like to know background info before R&F JWs do, we'll all be fine without it.
You have already identified health & stress issues in carrying on in the manner you have. As a believer, do you really think Jehovah expects harm to yourself and your relationship with your family, in order to fullfill requirements imposed on you by an earthly organization?
It seems that many of the 'qualifications' required to become an Elder, are thrown out the window once appointed. Don't some qualifications include being balanced and being a good husband while presiding in fine manner over your family?
You state that you can never catch-up with all the work. This is by design as if you ever did become caught-up, further responsibility would be heaped upon you without hesitation.
I think the best method to deal with the situation is to flatly state that as a result of your congregation responsibilities, your health and family responsibilities are suffering and you need to take a break from all responsibilities. You could state that you no longer have joy and feel as though you no longer are balanced and a good example to the congregation. This can be portrayed as a temporary measure but it's up to you if you ever wish to be re-appointed. How this is accepted is often based upon how you sell-it to the other Elders & the congregation.
Ultimately, it's your life. Know your limitations and live within them.
Would you rather die 20 years premature of a preventable stress related condition while keeping the Elder title and all that goes with it or, live a long enjoyable life while being admired by your family as a good husband and father?
There is no guarantee as to how long you'll live but you already know the stress you are experiencing.
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Incognito
We ended-up receiving a nonvite.
A nonvite was placed in our door yesterday, the day of the 'event'. As we had no advance notice, by the time we arrived home from work, it was too late to attend even if we had wanted to - not that we wanted or intended to.
A true invitation is provided in advance of an event so that the invitees can arrange to attend.
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MEMORIAL INVITATION: "Scan code for other locations"
by compound complex inon the back of the memorial invitation is a box containing a strange pattern that is edged by three small boxes that each hold three small black squares within.
beneath the pattern is a series of numbers and letters.. how is this code scanned?.
cc.
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Incognito
Hi CC,
That is called a QR code. They can be scanned with a smartphone camera using a QR code scanning app.
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130
Involved with a JW woman
by jonza inokay so i'm dating a born-in jw woman, she's younger than me and has no kids.
i'm a christian man whos divorced with 2 kids.
we're in love and seriously want to be together.
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Incognito
Jonza said:
Incognito: I understand her situation and why she has to keep me secret, especially with everything she's willing to give up to be with me.
That does not answer the question I asked. If you don't wish to publically state how YOU FEEL, at least be honest with yourself and with her.
Being with you (Marrying you -an unbeliever) is not a disfellowshipping offense although it is not looked upon favourably. Sex while unmarried is a disfellowshipping offense but she has been keeping that under wraps.
What is it you think she is willing to give up to be with you?
As it's so easy for her to mislead her family and the people she considers as representing God's organization, how much easier will it be to mislead you when a situation is difficult for her?
There's no way I'd let my kids hear how their Dad worships satan/demons and is part of a world wide false religion.
You haven't heard the talks that 'warn' JWs, (kissing, being married to, having sex with) an unbeliever, is equal to (kissing, being married to, having sex with) a corpse since the unbeliever will soon die at Armageddon.
She just says we're not having any then... So given that, should I still move forward with this relationship?
A relationship should not be dependant on children. If you don't have a strong base to start with, you cannot provide a good, stable and happy environment for yourselves much less any children that may come about.
The thought of no kids with me has made her emotionally distraught, just like I thought it would. The only conslusion I can think of is that we can have them, but not be brought up in her religion.
Based only upon a hypothetical situation, you already agree to compromise to give-in to manipulation.
With the caveat that they don't celebrate Christmas, mostly no tree/decorations except they are allowed to get and open presents on Christmas day (I'm not sure how else she thinks we celebrate it, maybe bowing down to the Christmas tree or something lol), I can live with that.
Another compromise to keep peace even though you don't understand the reason behind it.
I believe the main reason for no tree, no lights etc, these things are usually visible to the outside of the home or are impossible to hide, thereby making Christmas celebration very obvious, especially to members of her congregation and family who may pass-by or drop-in.
Presents OTOH, are lower key as they will remain a 'secret' sin as they can be easily hidden from plain sight. I already doubt that gift wrappings if any, will have a Christmas theme. I also doubt the children will be able to state what they 'got for Christmas'.
As Laika stated, there are other holidays in addition to Christmas which are taboo to JWs. As there are often associated activities in school including daily opening ceremonies, what else will you be expected to compromise to? (Awww pleeeeease - for me- just this one thing!)
In addition to her expectations and requirements, you will also need to deal with the expectations and requirements of her JW parents. It could be three against you with you portrayed as the 'bad' and unreasonable one. Your children will be confused as they will be told the fun things you advocate, make Jehovah 'sad'. (see this video of a JW cartoon movie about 'Caleb')
Relationships are already hard enough without being made more difficult due to baggage from a cult upbringing. Although I have no doubt your GF is sincere in stating she will allow certain things which she had been brought up to believe were 'bad', she has not given full consideration to future outcomes although she now seems to think that whatever can be hidden from other people is OK.
The indoctrination is so deep rooted, this cult will become a larger focus especially after she has had children and after experiencing any other major life event (ie: major illness or death of a close relation).
If you think this topic consumes much time and energy now, you haven't seen anything yet.
Unless she herself recognises the religion is BS, there is little you or anyone else can do to change her attitude or mindset.
Good luck in how you proceed!
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Involved with a JW woman
by jonza inokay so i'm dating a born-in jw woman, she's younger than me and has no kids.
i'm a christian man whos divorced with 2 kids.
we're in love and seriously want to be together.
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Incognito
jonza said:
She also said, even when she was 'spiritually strong' (now she claims she's not, I guess because she's about to be DF) that she never did more than 2 hours preaching a month and that she never listened to them when it came to not listening to 'bad' music or watch 'bad' TV etc so she never let them control her life really. So she says even when she gets refellowshipped she will just be like that again.
When we were first starting our relationship the elders found out about me, and they disciplined her, they told her if we got together it would be many many (implied over 10) years before she would be refellowshipped; from that point on she's hid me. So she's not planning on going back to the KH for at least 6 months after she moves, then she will do her 10hours preaching a month to get refellowshipped, then go back to her 2 hours a week preaching that she used to do when 'spiritually strong'
What do you think about her keeping you as her secret lover? What do you think about your woman being disciplined by other men, for only having a normal relationship with you?
She appears to be trying to sell the concept of herself to you by telling you what you want to hear. If she truly does not buy into the whole JW concept and all of their requirements, why does she continue to attend and why is she already planning to do anything they require to 'refellowship'?
It appears the elders have already decided that she will not be worthy of forgiveness for at least 10 years. Ask her, what bible scripture supports that treatment?
BTW: As a disfellowshipped JW, she will not be permitted to 'preach' door-to-door representing herself as a JW as while disfellowshiped, she is not considered a JW but must otherwise do exactly as the elders tell her otherwise, they will not consider her worthy of reinstatement (refellowship).
To requalify, she WILL be shunned while required to attending every meeting for an extended period of time - possibly years. If she misses a few meetings for an unworthy reason (as defined by the elders), the clock will likely reset to zero thereby requiring her to start again.
If you have children and they attend with her, there will be a high probability that they too will be shunned in similar fashion as their mother. Ask yourself: Is this how you want your children treated or to see their mother treated?
Looking at the bigger picture, if you both have children, what will be her expectations with regards to medical treatment (blood transfussion) if that was required?
There are numerous people who have posted here before you, in similar situations and asking similar questions as you. When long term, experienced posters tell them what they don't want to hear, often they respond with "Yes, BUT" as though their situation is different than all the others.
You asked questions. The answers you receive may not be as you had hoped for.
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New requirement to be Recommended
by bruh2012 inper co last night, he mentioned in his talk that in oder for a brother to be recommended as an elder or ministrial servant he must have a regular and meaningful family worship night.
this will demostrate his willingness not to miss that important meeting and preside over his household.. so i thought, wow what a way to add to the "inspired" biblical list of qualifications.
serving jehovah is sounding more and more and more organizational..
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Incognito
I agree with OnTheWayOut's comment.
When most are made an Elder, studies soon die off as they can claim they are too busy preparing parts and dealing with Elder stuff. Anyone made Ministrial Servant maybe more finatical, especially when they are striving to become an Elder.
When I was a child, family studies were torturous and always dreaded. Luckily, my parents did not adhere to a set schedule without soon dropping it. When it did occur, regardless of the age of the children, the study was always a full hour sitting upright at the kitchen table. It was an easy way to obtain an hour for each parent, often in the final week of the month when they did not do much door knocking earlier that month.