Posts by TallTexan

65

Elders Meeting

by New Castles in

allright let me tell you what happened yesterday.

i went to the meeting yesterday because my cousin was visiting and wanted to know where the kh was located.

i finally offered to go with her to avoid any issues.

Sorry if I caused any issues there with my comments. No, I would never presume to tell anyone how to handle it because it is a personal matter. Like I said, I have so many friends and family in the 'trooth' that when I do make my move, I'll lose a lot of them and it will be personally devastating. I'm just thankful that I've found a whole new group of friends here whom I don't have to pretend with or lie to. You're right, I wasn't aware that there were some that called you 'faders, cowards', etc. because you wouldn't meet w/ the 'bros'. That was definitely not my intention. Personally, when I make my break, I don't want there to be any confusion about where I stand so I don't have to listen to everyone I know ask me 'when are you going back to meetings' or try to pawn off the latest propaganda, er, I mean, literature on me. But again, that's just me and I never meant any disrespect to anyone who chooses to handle it differently.

On a side note, to anyone who does decide to meet with them, I would DEFINITELY record it. That way, when they try to slander you in the congregation you can mail a tape to everyone in the hall with the REAL truth...lol. (A little extreme, I know, but wouldn't it be fun?) Oh wait - I forgot - 'Jehovah's people' don't engage in harmful gossip, divisions, cliques, or slander.....<oooohhhhmmm...as brainwashing takes effect...>

Now, let's see if I can go stick my foot in my mouth again...lol.

65

Elders Meeting

by New Castles in

allright let me tell you what happened yesterday.

i went to the meeting yesterday because my cousin was visiting and wanted to know where the kh was located.

i finally offered to go with her to avoid any issues.

TallTexan

Please don't get me wrong. I wasn't trying to instill guilt or anything of that nature. I totally respect however each person wants to handle it. My point was, if it's simply an intimidation factor, don't give in. Believe me, I understand how much some people stand to lose. My entire immediate and extended families are still very active in the 'troof'. When I make my move, it will be devastating to me personally, but I can't live a 'lie', even if I am inactive. I judge no one. For most, it's much easier to simply fade away, and I totally respect that view too. I think you took my suggestion as a demand, or an intolerant viewpoint of how someone else wishes to handle the situation. That's simply not the case. My goal is not to change the world, the WTS, or anything else. I just hate abuses of power and even if me and my 'proof' make not one iota of difference (and I know it won't), I'll still feel better for saying my piece and telling them to kiss my ass...lol. Believe me, I realize that most people are not nearly as confrontational as I am (yes, I'm saying that I can be an a-hole at times...lol). Anyway, I wasn't trying to be offensive or pushy, just giving thoughts on how I would handle it.

Peace, out!

65

Elders Meeting

by New Castles in

allright let me tell you what happened yesterday.

i went to the meeting yesterday because my cousin was visiting and wanted to know where the kh was located.

i finally offered to go with her to avoid any issues.

TallTexan

Sorry guys, but I disagree. I haven't come forward yet about my views, even though I've been inactive for about 10 years. I just started doing all my research and gathering all my data. However, when the time comes, I want to see their faces and listen to their lame excuses when I blast them with reams of data that proves they are full of crapola. But then, I can be a little on the confrontational side. Why avoid them? Go in and tell them how you really feel. It may not be pleasant, but at least they'll know where you stand. And if they don't like it, f--- 'em...oh...and as Danny said, threaten to sue....lol

If you want to cancel the meeting, don't make up some B.S. excuse. Just call and tell them that until you know why they want to meet, you'll not meet with them. Tell them that you want to be prepared for whatever the meeting is about and unless they come clean, tell them that you'll not meet with them. (and tape your phone conversation with them). If they tell you why, and you feel it's bogus, just say that you don't feel the need to confess any sins or listen to unsubstantiated gossip and rumor and that when they have something concrete you'll possibly give them the time of day. Why run from them? They are NOBODY!!!! They like to intimidate, well, show them that you are not intimidated by their Gestapo tactics and could care less what they think. That'll make you feel better than running w/ your tail between your legs.

10

"New Light" Switches Faiths?

by Dan-O in

there was a knock at the door earlier this week.

and i was on the phone, so my daughter opened the door to find two women on our porch.

holy somkes ... it must be jws!.

TallTexan

You know they weren't JW's because:

1) They'd have told you that ONLY their light bulbs would light up.

2) They'd have asked for a 'small' donation for the worlwide lighting work

3) They would have given you an instruction manual for the bulbs, since they are 'figurative' bulbs and to understand how they work you need literature from the WB&TS.

4) Told you that you could not use the bulbs, since only 144,000 'chosen' ones could actually use them. Everyone else is the 'great crowd' of candle users.

5) Told you that you could only use 60w bulbs. If you used 75 or, god forbid, 100w, then you'd be subject to a committee meeting.

6) They would have made sure you had no gas lanterns or oil lamps in your house, as they were only mentioned once in the Bible and were associated with demons and ancient pagan religions.

7) They would have asked to come back in a 'couple of weeks' to see how the bulbs were burning.

8) Taken your 'donation' money and spent it at the 10:30 coffee break.

9

Hassan's "Releasing the Bonds"

by TallTexan in

for those of you who have not read this book, i encourage you to immediately obtain a copy, especially if you still don't believe that jw's are a cult.

although inactive and filled with doubts about the organization for a number of years, i truly disregarded all thoughts of it as a 'cult'.

i figured that it was simply misguided men who thought they were doing the right thing.

TallTexan

For those of you who have not read this book, I encourage you to immediately obtain a copy, especially if you still don't believe that JW's are a cult. Although inactive and filled with doubts about the organization for a number of years, I truly disregarded all thoughts of it as a 'cult'. I figured that it was simply misguided men who thought they were doing the right thing. WRONG! Randy Watters was kind enough to send me a copy of Hassan's book and within the first couple of chapters I realized that the WT society truly is a cult! If you can't accept this, it's o.k...you're still under the influence, but at least get a copy and read it objectively, and apply the information to the WT society. It may take time, but you will soon see. I'm sure you can get it from many places, but it can be ordered from Randy's website at www.freeminds.org. Please, do yourself a favor. You no longer need to live in fear of a vengeful God who will destroy all those not toeing the line of the WT society.

11

The Unforgiven

by Truth2Me in

this metallica song really speaks to me....sometimes it seems like the band must have studied what it's like to be disfellowshipped....they could have called the title "the disfellowshipped.

" been really struggling lately...wanted to share this, maybe some of you can relate..... unforgiven.

that old man here is me.

TallTexan

Metallica's frontman James Hetfield who writes most of their lyrics grew up in a very disciplinarian religious household. He was raised in one of the religions that totally denies medical care, and instead requires 'prayer' for medical treatment. The song on the 'Black' album called "The God that Failed" is actually written about his mother, who died of cancer because she refused to seek medical treatment and tried to 'pray' her way out of cancer. The line "the healing hand held back by the beaten nail" refers to the religious belief that denial of medical care is the will of Christ, obviously the 'beaten nail' meaning Jesus on the cross/torture stake.

There are a number of religious references in their songs. "Leper Messiah" off of Master of Puppets deals with the hypocrisy of religious leaders. "Creeping Death" off of Ride the Lightning is a cool little piece about the 10 plagues and the "Angel of Death" as the 10th plague (thus, he's 'creeping death'). Great song. One of my favorite Metallica songs put in context of growing up a Witness is "D'yers Eve" off of Justice For All. It's about a child growing up deprived of freedom of thought and freedom of expression because his/her parents want them to believe as they're told and no deviation from that belief structure will be tolerated. Interesting song if you grew up as a JW.

O.k...sorry about the mini-Metallica lesson...lol. Just happen to have been one of my favorite bands since the mid-80's (all of my 'bad wordly association' introduced me to them...lol.)

P.S. Former Metallica band member and current Megadeath founder/frontman Dave Mustaine grew up as a witness until he ran away from home at the age of 15 and went to L.A.....evidently he didn't think too much of it either.

36

My 4 year old daughter has declared us JW free!!!!

by choks in

well exactly as the title says...my 4 year old daughter, obviously tired of my dithering has taken matters into her own hands!.

the background is that i was bought up in the troof, and began my fade about 6 months ago.

i had been talking to my daughter about us not going to the meetings anymore and she accepted it very well.

TallTexan

It does make it hard when you rely on your parents for support. Even though it will be hard, once you stand on your own and make it, then they can't keep waving the 'you'll never make it w/o Jehovah'. Although, you can always say "Well, I haven't left God and his son, Jesus Christ, only that controlling, hypocritical, self-righteous group that distorts his teachings and his Bible"....that will make them REAL happy.....

36

My 4 year old daughter has declared us JW free!!!!

by choks in

well exactly as the title says...my 4 year old daughter, obviously tired of my dithering has taken matters into her own hands!.

the background is that i was bought up in the troof, and began my fade about 6 months ago.

i had been talking to my daughter about us not going to the meetings anymore and she accepted it very well.

TallTexan

Meetings meant beatings!!???? that's freaking hilarious, but so true. My mom used to take a willow switch from the tree outside the hall into the meetings with her. And there was a guy in our cong who used to take his kid outside, beat the crap out of him, then come in buckling up his belt, like he was proud to show that he could wail on his 8 year old. We did have quite a bit of fun at his expense, though.

22

OOOPS I DID IT AGAIN !!

by tazmaniac in

i went to my local coffee shop at 11:10am on saturday morning.

not thinking that about 40 witnesses would be arriving.

there i was standing in line, the two parties in front of me were taking forever.

TallTexan

The field service coffee break?? It was the only reason I even remotely went in service. That and the friendly 'rural territory', where you got to call on one house every ten minutes. It was great.

Yeah, it's amazing how they forget everything you've done for them over the years. While my mom and dad were in their small congregation for 25 years they never turned down anyone who needed help moving, or working on their house, or whatever. But that hall sure turned on them quickly when they 'slipped' a little. It was disgusting. Those of you who have read my story know that both of them are now disfellowshipped. Last month, a very elderly sister in their hall passed away. My mom had taken her to and from the meetings for years, taken her to her dr's appts, cleaned her house, in short, was very close to this sister. She passed away rather suddenly and not one of the 'loving' elders even bothered to call so that she could at least pay her respects to the sister's non-JW family, whom she was also close to. They use you for all the 'free' stuff and help they can get, and the minute you're 'weak', they turn on you like a pack of hungry wolves. But, I guess that's the personification of love....can I barf now?

22

OOOPS I DID IT AGAIN !!

by tazmaniac in

i went to my local coffee shop at 11:10am on saturday morning.

not thinking that about 40 witnesses would be arriving.

there i was standing in line, the two parties in front of me were taking forever.

TallTexan

Danny....

I'll bet you're REAL popular w/ the local hall.....