Oro, I sort of take offense to your indicating that following the "rules" in the JW org is optional for all JWs and that if one would only stand up to the elders and oneself then they can pretty much live their life however they wanted without consequences in the JW org. That just isn't true, especially if you are a minor. I suffered many years under a staunchly, "true blue" JW mother. And believe me when I say there were no proms, dances, hanging out with friends other than those JW ones pre-approved by mother, or any extra-curricular activities. This was not my choice...I couldn't stand up to my mother or the elders without serious consequences not to mention the fact that I thought that I would be KILLED at Armageddon if I disobeyed the society's directives. JWs are brainwashed to believe that the Society is speaking for God and therefore if they say that something is wrong to do, like having "worldly" friends, or participating in extra-curricular activities at school, then a "real" witness would feel they were risking their very life to go against that directive. Maybe you never felt that way, but if you didn't then I would say that you were never a "real" JW in the truest sense. My experience and the experience of many, many of my JW friends is quite different from yours. Good for you. Believe me, I wish that I had not been brainwashed in that way. It took me many years to undo that JW upbringing. I realize that you are trying to be fair regarding the child custody booklet and I appreciate some of what you are saying. But the truth is that the Society is trying to hide or distort the reality of a JW upbringing. Why should they have to coach the kids to talk about their hobbies and activities, even providing examples? Most children would not need to be coached to talk about their interests. But real JW children do, because they are raised in homes that limit and discourage fun activities that normal children enjoy on a regular basis. The society knows this, hence the need for coaching. A real JW child brought up in a strict JW home would not be allowed to partipate in theatre programs or pursue a career in journalism. Your defense of the Society is irritating in this case when so many people, including myself, have suffered under their rules, and yet when there is a child custody case they hypocritically ask their members to act like the rules don't exist. Even if they don't outright tell people to lie, that is the implication. The society gives the directive because they know that if a child on the stand is asked what their main activities and interests are the child is more likely to talk about meetings and field service. I don't understand why you don't find this at all deceitful...but if you don't, please at least aknowledge that the Society would prefer these real JW children not state the reality of their JW life, because if they did it would not be good for the JW parent in gaining custody. Take care, Gwen
gwenalison
JoinedPosts by gwenalison
-
290
JW Children Lie in Custody Cases
by compound complex indirect and cross-examination questions in child custody cases.
wtb&ts, page 42.
"be careful that they [jw children being questioned] don't get the impression that they are in a demonstration at the circuit assembly, when they would show that the first things in life are service and going to the kingdom hall.
-
-