I recently started a Topic on the anniversary of my imprisonment: https://shorturl.at/qwACI
and discussed the fact that EVEN NOW the Brothers who served time in Federal Prison are NOT AWARE
of how we were tricked into acting against our own best interests!
JW's would say: We refused to violate our Neutrality by declining Military Service.
I would say: NO. You were in prison because you DOUBLE REFUSED:
1. Military service which you were LEGALLY PERMITTED TO REFUSE
but you went beyond the scope of the law when you...
2. REFUSED the Alternate option of community service.
It was for that 2nd refusal we suffered needlessly.
Posts by Terry
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30CIVILIAN SERVICE
by blondie inhow many remember when the wts changed their policy on alternative service; changed it to alternative civilian service so jw men could choose it because it was not supervised by the military.
shows how the wts quibbles with words to advance a "new teaching.
" flag salute, voting, civilian service p. 212. civilian service.
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Terry
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Governing Body as an UNRELIABLE AUTHORITY and the Consequences of its Misjudgments
by Terry ini've been experimenting with artificial intelligence as a research tool and for its lightning quick ability to summarize and convert information about the watchtower org into an essay.
the following is the result of 2 separate text prompts.
the first is in the form of a final argument before a jury.the second is a breaking down of the analogy between legal liability in healthcare and tying it in with religious authoritymalpractice.
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Terry
I've been experimenting with Artificial Intelligence as a research tool and for its lightning quick ability to summarize and convert information about the Watchtower Org into an Essay.
The following is the result of 2 separate text prompts. The first is in the form of a Final Argument before a jury.
The second is a breaking down of the analogy between legal liability in healthcare and tying it in with Religious Authority
malpractice.
UNRELIABLE AUTHORITY
The Unseen Consequences of Misjudgment
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Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, we are here today to discuss the difference in culpability between two scenarios: one involving misjudgment in giving bad advice, and the other involving presumptuous bad advice given by an authority claiming bona fide inside information.In the first scenario, we have a situation where an individual, perhaps with good intentions, gives advice that turns out to be incorrect due to a misjudgment. This could be due to a lack of knowledge, a misunderstanding, or a simple mistake. While the consequences of this advice may be unfortunate, it is important to remember that we all make mistakes. The key question here is whether the individual acted negligently or recklessly in giving this advice, or whether they made a reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of their advice.
In the second scenario, we have an authority figure who gives bad advice while claiming to have bona fide inside information. This is a more serious situation. Here, the authority figure is not only giving incorrect advice, but they are also misleading others by claiming to have special knowledge that they do not actually possess. This can lead to a breach of trust and can cause significant harm, especially if people rely on this advice due to the authority of the person giving it.
In comparing these two scenarios, it is clear that the latter involves a greater degree of culpability. While both situations involve the giving of bad advice, the presumptuousness and deceit involved in the second scenario make it far more egregious. It is one thing to make a mistake; it is another thing entirely to mislead others while in a position of authority.
In conclusion, while both scenarios involve actions that can lead to negative outcomes, the culpability involved in each is significantly different. Misjudgment can happen to anyone and, while not ideal, is often a part of the human experience. Presumptuous bad advice from an authority claiming inside information, on the other hand, involves a deliberate deception that can lead to a significant breach of trust. It is this breach of trust, ladies and gentlemen, that sets the two scenarios apart in terms of culpability.
Thank you.In both healthcare and religious contexts, misjudgments can lead to profound ethical, legal, and philosophical consequences.Healthcare Misdiagnosis: A Breach of Trust
Misdiagnosis in healthcare, especially when it results in unnecessary and invasive treatment, is a serious concern. It violates the ethical principles of beneficence (doing good) and non-maleficence (avoiding harm), as patients are subjected to unnecessary harm due to treatments for conditions they do not have. This also infringes on patient autonomy, as their informed consent is based on incorrect information.
In effect, the person trusting an Authority is being advised against their own best interests due to influence of bona fide trust.Legally, if misdiagnosis is deemed medical negligence, healthcare providers may face legal action, potentially resulting in a medical negligence claim. Philosophically, misdiagnoses highlight the inherent uncertainty in medicine and raise questions about justice, fairness, and the role of technology in healthcare.
Religious Predictions: A Crisis of Faith
Similarly, religious organizations like Jehovah’s Witnesses making specific predictions about events such as “the end of 6,000 years of human history” can have significant implications. Ethically, if these predictions lead to harm, such as financial instability or health issues, the organization may be seen as failing in its duty of care towards its members.
Legally, the organization could potentially face action if the predictions lead to harm, especially if they encouraged followers to take specific actions. Philosophically, this situation raises questions about the nature of belief, the responsibility of religious organizations, and the balance between faith and rationality.
In conclusion, whether in healthcare or religion, it’s crucial to have checks and balances in place to minimize errors and their impact. It’s equally important for patients and followers to seek second opinions or question the information they receive. After all, the cost of misjudgment can be high, and the consequences far-reaching.
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Is there a 'dark mode' available for this site?
by ProdigalApostate ini view this site on my mobile browser and would prefer to use it in dark mode (white text on black background).
dark mode helps conserve battery on an oled display used on most phones.
how do i enable it for this site?
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Terry
iloowy.goowy2 days ago
@Terry, dark mode is white text on black. It saves battery.
Not to be confused with the dark web, that has to do with encryption and anonymity.
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THIS is how Jehovah operates? Examining GB Jefffrey Winder's words
by Terry ingoverning body member jeffrey winder on jw dot org:“we are not embarrassed about ‘adjustments’ that are made; nor is an apology needed for not getting it ‘exactly right’ previously.
we understand: this is how jehovah operates.”
1952 no wt 6/1/52 p.338 1965 maybe they will be resurrected .
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Terry
DesirousOfChange
I gather you escaped while in your 30’s. Evidently, I’m a “slow learner” as it took me another 20 years.
___________________________
I was 12 years old when I met my "Best Friend" in elementary school, Johnny Santa Cruz.
We bonded over a love for Monster movies and Jerry Lewis comedies.
He always brought up the Bible and started asserting bits of "DID YOU KNOW" factoids that actually
made me feel stupid. My family were not church goers but they believed in God and there was a Bible in the house.
In other words, I was pig-ignorant about Doctrine or the gestalt of the Bible.
Johnny and I were intellectually competitive.
He presented a challenge.
I couldn't match him fact for fact at all. I knew NOTHING about the Bible.
I had a huge vocabulary and I was well-read and quick-witted but HE KNEW the Bible.
It was like a boxing match with one of the fighters' hands tied behind his back.
WHAT TO DO?
We started a "Bible study" and I was smart enough to point out to him that the PARADISE BOOK
was NOT the Bible. Oh, I gave him a very hard time and he remained exasperated but patient.
I was invited to the KINGDOM HALL.
Spending so much time with his family and comparing them to my family - I felt very comfortable going with them and checking it out.
LOVE BOMBING, friendliness, smiling faces, a welcoming spirit REALLY sucked me in. I was horribly shy but a very bright kid. I could soak up those books and memorize scriptures and I blossomed like field of sunflowers.
THAT was my beginning of indoctrination. Very pleasant and quite intensive.
It is easy for me to memorize complicated things. The Bible (and JW doctrine) is a labyrinth of blind alleys.
Did I "believe" any of it? Hmmmm.
Honestly, I didn't have to FEEL belief because I had a head full of DATA and I became conversant.
Back in those days of the nineteen fifties and early sixties, there was no such thing as
Asperger's or Spectrum disorder syndromes.
I WOULD HAVE BEEN a shining example, had there been.
The Kingdom Hall / Jehovah's Witness experience was my THERAPY. It worked for me.
I learned to meet strangers, shake their hand.
I learned to be outgoing (I was faking it till I became real).
I learned public speaking (bye bye shyness - I had a real talent).
You know how it works - we've all been there.
My starting date was 1959 and I lasted until 1979. I was baptised the say after JFK was shot.
November 23, 1963
GOING TO PRISON was a COMING OF AGE experience for me as a person, a boy into MAN.
I formed a BOND with other Brothers and learned to talk to God.
I was transformed into a TRUE BELIEVER as soon as I lied about not being raped.
I convinced myself!
Amazing how the mind works when it isn't working.
When I was paroled, I was out of my frickin' mind. I was a rabid JW, on fire, irrepressible.
Over a space of 4 years I got worn down to the bone.
My mind crashed. I was a cornered and desperate animal looking to bite or to escape.
I escaped to California with my wife and three tiny kids.
I remained a JW on the margins as my ART career blossomed.
I made "worldly" friends who treated me wonderfully well and they were good, fine humans.
NOT the kind of worldly I had had stigmatized inside my head.I could say the JW mantra words and go through the motions but splitting my personality
like that was exhausting and unhealthy. I started SEEING and HEARING the empty
phrases and excuses for 1975 FAILURE among the Brothers.
That was the tipping point.
JW FAITHFUL are talented at talking themselves into it and among each other.
IT IS ALL PIOUS FRAUD.
20 years through the sausage grinder.
That was more than enough for me.
I BECAME A HUMAN BEING because the JW's taught me how to communicate with other human beings.
I became mentally strong because I made it through 1967-69 among criminals and abuse.
I fond it - I lost it - I found it.
Over and over.
What is "it"?
IT IS ME. Experiencing LIFE through many lenses.
I've been up, down, over, and out - like the Frank Sinatra song :)
THAT's LIFE for everybody. Some slower, some faster.
Age 12 to Age 32.
That's more information than anybody asked for - but there it is.
THAT'S LIFE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvfImv9NseYThat's life
(That's life)
That's what all the people say
You're riding high in April, shot down in May
But I know I'm gonna change that tune
When I'm back on top, back on top in JuneI said that's life
(That's life)
And as funny as it may seem
Some people get their kicks
Stomping on a dream
But I don't let it, let it get me down
Cause this fine old world, it keeps spinnin' aroundI've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
A pawn and a king
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself
Flat on my face
I pick myself up and get
Back in the raceThat's life
(That's life)
I tell you, I can't deny it
I thought of quitting, baby
But my heart just ain't gonna buy it
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd flyI've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet
A pawn and a king
I've been up and down and over and out
And I know one thing
Each time I find myself layin'
Flat on my face
I just pick myself up and get
Back in the raceThat's life
(That's life)
That's life and I can't deny it
Many times I thought of cutting out but my heart won't buy it
But if there's nothing shaking come this here July
I'm gonna roll myself up
In a big ball and die
My, my -
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TODAY is my 56th anniversary of GOING TO PRISON as a Jehovah's Witness Conscientious Objector
by Terry inwhat happened to jehovah’s witness young men and why did it happen?______in the 1960s men of draft age were called upon to either serve in the military (during the vietnam war) or to comply with the alternate service option: serving in a hospital or community in need.. non-jehovah’s witnesses were faced with only one refusal: military service.jw boys and young men were instructed (in private) to refuse the alternate civilian service as well.
the superior authorities had made this exemption for people of conscience.the law was clear on this.
if we worked in a hospital community we would be free to go about our witnessing ministry - if we double-refused: we would languish in prison.a no-brainer to them.
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Terry
What percentage of brothers in USA were told that? I was never told that.
Nixon stopped the draft a month before I was scheduled to appear.
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A per one hundred breakdown is not within my capability because I only have
surreptitious access to the still living / still in Brothers who were in prison.
I've been very careful, methodical, and circumspect in my queries. Out of the
40 or so Brothers I spoke with back in the late 60s, every one of them was
privately counseled the same way. They were from Southern states, Oklahoma, Louisiana,
Arkansas, Texas mostly. As a sample size - I don't know how representative this is.
There were 5 Draft Age Bros. in my home congregation. Only 2 of us went to the clinker.
With the other 3 it was a "don't ask - don't tell" situation.
One Bro had a mom who was best friends with the head of the local Draft Board. She was
not a JW. He ended up working at a GOODWILL INDUSTRIES job for 2 years.
Another Bro had a wealthy dad. So, every variation on that theme was possible.
I discovered a few years back, when an EXJW confessed it to me - he had bribed his way out.
Cash changed hands. A political thing. He is a wealthy engineer and he comes from money.
There are thousands of stories in this experience. Maybe there is no "there" there as far as
that goes.
If you want to know what a REAL conscientious objector, true-believing Christian would do -
Watch the movie HACKSAW RIDGE about the real life C.O. Desmond Doss (An Adventist).
Now THAT was courage and integrity!
We JW boys pretty much had a relatively easy time of it all things considered.
Yes, I was sexually molested - but - it didn't kill me and at the time - didn't wreck my faith.
I lied about the severity of it to my prison Brothers, inventing a kind of "Jehovah saved me" scenario as might be expected. In reality, so many of us were brutally treated one on one and lying about it for the sake of the FAITH BUBBLE. Who knows what any would be Christian in history really experienced, eh?
It has a name: Pious Fraud.
It happens because True Believers don't want to ruin the fantasy for the others."Pious fraud" is a term used to describe actions or deceptions that are committed with the belief that they serve a greater good or a religious or moral purpose. While these actions may involve dishonesty or deception, they are often rationalized by those who commit them as being for a higher cause. Here are several examples:
1. **Forgery of Religious Artifacts:** Throughout history, individuals have created or altered religious artifacts, such as relics, in an attempt to strengthen the faith of believers. For example, in the Middle Ages, some churches claimed to possess pieces of the True Cross, but many of these were likely forgeries.
2. **Religious Propaganda:** Some religious texts or writings may contain exaggerations or embellishments to promote faith. For instance, hagiographies (biographies of saints) often included miraculous events or deeds to inspire piety.
3. **Religious Charlatans:** Certain individuals throughout history have claimed to have divine powers or connections to the divine, using their perceived authority to exploit believers. These charlatans may use deception to gain followers and accumulate wealth.
4. **Apocryphal Texts:** Some religious traditions have included texts that were not included in official scripture but were revered by certain sects. These texts may have been written with good intentions but contain exaggerated or false claims.
5. **Altered History for Religious Reasons:** In some cases, religious leaders or organizations have altered historical events to fit a particular religious narrative. For instance, changing the dates of significant events or claiming divine intervention in historical battles.
6. **Religious Miracles:** While many people genuinely believe in the miracles attributed to religious figures or events, some skeptics argue that some of these stories are embellished or even fabricated to promote faith.
7. **Suppression of Contradictory Information:** In some cases, religious institutions or leaders may suppress or downplay information that contradicts their beliefs. This can include censorship of historical evidence or the suppression of scientific discoveries.
8. **Pseudoscience and Health Claims:** Some individuals or organizations promote pseudoscientific or miracle health remedies with religious undertones, claiming that these remedies are in line with divine will.
9. **Misrepresentation of Religious Texts:** In an attempt to make religious texts more appealing or relevant to modern audiences, some individuals or groups may interpret or translate religious texts in ways that deviate from their original meaning.
10. **Invented Relics:** Creating and promoting relics, such as the purported burial cloth of Jesus, the Shroud of Turin, which some claim as evidence of the crucifixion and resurrection, is seen by some as a pious fraud.
It's important to note that the term "pious fraud" is subjective, and what one person considers a deception for a greater religious good, another may see as deliberate dishonesty. These examples illustrate the complexity of the concept and its historical significance.
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27
TODAY is my 56th anniversary of GOING TO PRISON as a Jehovah's Witness Conscientious Objector
by Terry inwhat happened to jehovah’s witness young men and why did it happen?______in the 1960s men of draft age were called upon to either serve in the military (during the vietnam war) or to comply with the alternate service option: serving in a hospital or community in need.. non-jehovah’s witnesses were faced with only one refusal: military service.jw boys and young men were instructed (in private) to refuse the alternate civilian service as well.
the superior authorities had made this exemption for people of conscience.the law was clear on this.
if we worked in a hospital community we would be free to go about our witnessing ministry - if we double-refused: we would languish in prison.a no-brainer to them.
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Terry
My congregation overseer told me that Brothers Knorr and Fred Franz wouldn't risk being
treated the way Judge Rutherford and his Board of Directors were treated and end up in prison
for advising others against following orders during a time of war.
Every one of us inside
were taken into the Kingdom Hall library respectively, and told what to say and do but strongly admonished
to NOT say we had been advised.
The situation dripped with irony. We, the young JWs, had to be the brave ones while the older leaders cowered in their paradise on earth in Brooklyn.
One of my closest Brothers named Sam told me his Dad paid Attorney Hayden Covington $10 grand but in the middle of
the parlay with the Judge, Covington got a call from boxer Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) to join his legal team due to his success before the Supreme Court on behalf of freedom of religion.
Sam said that Covington rushed the Judge and left in a hurry when the 5 year sentence was banged down.
What is interesting about all that is this: Covington was disfellowshipped in, I believe, 1963 or thereabouts and not reinstated until 1978.
Muhammed Ali and his team fired Covington and refused to pay him. The only thing he ever got from Ali was an old clock. -
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TODAY is my 56th anniversary of GOING TO PRISON as a Jehovah's Witness Conscientious Objector
by Terry inwhat happened to jehovah’s witness young men and why did it happen?______in the 1960s men of draft age were called upon to either serve in the military (during the vietnam war) or to comply with the alternate service option: serving in a hospital or community in need.. non-jehovah’s witnesses were faced with only one refusal: military service.jw boys and young men were instructed (in private) to refuse the alternate civilian service as well.
the superior authorities had made this exemption for people of conscience.the law was clear on this.
if we worked in a hospital community we would be free to go about our witnessing ministry - if we double-refused: we would languish in prison.a no-brainer to them.
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Terry
Clown college
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TODAY is my 56th anniversary of GOING TO PRISON as a Jehovah's Witness Conscientious Objector
by Terry inwhat happened to jehovah’s witness young men and why did it happen?______in the 1960s men of draft age were called upon to either serve in the military (during the vietnam war) or to comply with the alternate service option: serving in a hospital or community in need.. non-jehovah’s witnesses were faced with only one refusal: military service.jw boys and young men were instructed (in private) to refuse the alternate civilian service as well.
the superior authorities had made this exemption for people of conscience.the law was clear on this.
if we worked in a hospital community we would be free to go about our witnessing ministry - if we double-refused: we would languish in prison.a no-brainer to them.
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Terry
Incidentally, what the hell is this all about and what is it doing in the middle of my thread??
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TODAY is my 56th anniversary of GOING TO PRISON as a Jehovah's Witness Conscientious Objector
by Terry inwhat happened to jehovah’s witness young men and why did it happen?______in the 1960s men of draft age were called upon to either serve in the military (during the vietnam war) or to comply with the alternate service option: serving in a hospital or community in need.. non-jehovah’s witnesses were faced with only one refusal: military service.jw boys and young men were instructed (in private) to refuse the alternate civilian service as well.
the superior authorities had made this exemption for people of conscience.the law was clear on this.
if we worked in a hospital community we would be free to go about our witnessing ministry - if we double-refused: we would languish in prison.a no-brainer to them.
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Terry
DIRTY LITTLE SECRET
REFUSAL of a LEGAL exemption allowing Conscientious Objectors to serve in local communities
is NOT the same thing as refusal to join the armed forces!
1. You go before a local Draft Board and you are interviewed by the F.B.I. and state that your
conscience and religious beliefs will not permit serving in the armed forces. That is refusal number one.
You are legally in your rights to do so. No prison punishment required.
2. The law allows you to serve local community needs in a hospital instead as an alternate choice.
The JW REFUSES (the 2nd refusal) because his congregation leader privately tells him he can't - but -he's not allowed to point the finger at this instruction.
That is a conspiracy and it is illegal. The GB were cowards hiding their undue influence.
I know approximately 20 JWs who served time in Federal prison and who are STILL IN the Org
but who never realized (because they never "self-questioned" at an analytical level) the
fact that they DOUBLE REFUSED.
It has to be explained to them over and over and even
when they see it and understand it and acknowledge it - after a month passes - astoundingly,
they have forgotten all about it!!
Ask any old-timer JW why he went to prison and he will NEVER say it was the 2nd Refusal
that put him in jail.
It is a DIRTY LITTLE SECRET even their own heart and mind cannot grasp. -
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Is there a 'dark mode' available for this site?
by ProdigalApostate ini view this site on my mobile browser and would prefer to use it in dark mode (white text on black background).
dark mode helps conserve battery on an oled display used on most phones.
how do i enable it for this site?
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Terry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO9fTnMxwYw
This may or may not be a solution
