Posts by TheListener

128

Looking Back In Retrospect To 1975...

by titch in

greetings, folks: so, it's been 40 years since 1975. and, if you were actively involved with the witnesses back then, the mindset of many was, that by early autumn of 1975, it would mark the anniversary of 6000 years of human existence.

and, the hope was then, that it would mark the start of the 1000-year of christ, from the heavenly realm.

but, looking back now, 40 years ago, in june of 1975, only 3 more months remained until early autumn.

TheListener

The WTS literature strongly hinted that 1975 was it and hyped people up. It was that hyping along with the talks that really pushed it over the edge. The talks were much more direct. As with most dub things once it is decided that spiritual people do this or that and believe this or that then it's a sign of spiritual weakness to not believe.

I think the literature started the fire of 1975 and the talks fanned the flames. Individual publishers took away the thoughts that the WTS wanted them to and pushed their activity to new heights. All while headquarters enjoyed unprecedented growth, for a time.

128

Looking Back In Retrospect To 1975...

by titch in

greetings, folks: so, it's been 40 years since 1975. and, if you were actively involved with the witnesses back then, the mindset of many was, that by early autumn of 1975, it would mark the anniversary of 6000 years of human existence.

and, the hope was then, that it would mark the start of the 1000-year of christ, from the heavenly realm.

but, looking back now, 40 years ago, in june of 1975, only 3 more months remained until early autumn.

TheListener

Some members of my extended family bought into 1975 completely. They held off buying things, quit jobs and pioneered and fully expected 1975 to be the end.

My parents didn't buy into it. They said if we weren't doing enough for Jehovah already that we probably couldn't make up for it in the short time before 1975. We just kept up our normal routine and life and 1975 came and went.

I remember being present at many "discussions" between my parents and other family members who disagreed with their view of 1975. The splits 1975 caused in our large family still exist in some form to this day. Although I am sure no one would agree that 1975 had anything to do with any of it.

I was on the young side and didn't fully appreciate how hyped the WTS made 1975 until years later when I did my own research. I have since even convinced my wife that 1975 was a bigger deal than the WTS admits to now; but she's probably forgotten that conversation.

4

Been away overseas! What's been going on here?

by stuckinarut2 in

hey all!.

ive been away overseas for the last few weeks seeing family etc.

also met some great old friends.. ive missed this forum.. whats new here?.

TheListener

I'm also excited about the Otuo case.

24

My thoughts on the RC 2015

by StarTrekAngel in

having endured three days of dashing attempts at further indoctrination, i feel the need to write up some of the stuff i left with.

it is just good therapy.. right away the change was noticeable in the air.

the assembly hall in la feria, tx still smells like new.

TheListener

When I was active the WTS was clear that illegal immigrants could not serve as elders or ministerial servants. Is that still the case? Is it enforced?

24

My thoughts on the RC 2015

by StarTrekAngel in

having endured three days of dashing attempts at further indoctrination, i feel the need to write up some of the stuff i left with.

it is just good therapy.. right away the change was noticeable in the air.

the assembly hall in la feria, tx still smells like new.

TheListener

I would like to hear the story too.

134

Young Girl Exposes Jehovah's Witnesses at school video goes VIRAL last 2 days 273,000 views

by Watchtower-Free in

original thread here.

http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/291080001/brave-high-school-student-exposes-abuse-corruption-within-jehovahs-witnesses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdvt_gyq-ls.

TheListener

I wish I wasn't so anonymous because I would love to send this to the Ellen D. show or Dr. Phil.

59

How are the JW's reacting to the new USA gay marriage laws?

by purrpurr in

jw
friends

personally i think this is wonderful.

i have nothing against gay people and wish them only the best.. but of course i'm in a minority of one, the jw's around me are posting away on fb the most homophobic vitriol imaginable.

a lot of them are even saying that it's the start to armageddon!!.

TheListener

Their opinions are in direct conflict with the fact that homosexual sexual activity was not grounds for a scriptural divorce until the late 70s/early 80s. (citation needed).

58

Strange Moment During The 2015 Regional Convention

by JW_Rogue in

hi, i'm new here but hadn't seen this mentioned anywhere yet.

during the "imitate jesus" rc there was a strange moment where they played a video of a brother trying to explain the 1914 teaching.

the brother quickly goes through all the scriptural "proofs" and the householder is dumbfounded.

TheListener

I have a different understanding of this clip. But, I wasn't as the RC and didn't see the audience reaction to it.

I got the feeling that dubs felt that they know their bibles so well and are so educated that they forget how "dumb" bible students are. It was funny to them in a smug pretentious way. 'haha we can easily rattle off complex numerology and deep scriptural references that most have not even figured out, we are sooooo smart'

36

Small details...

by Garrett in

jw
friends

a witness friend wanted to meet up recently and talk.

since this person was a close friend and who i thought had a level head, i'd go ahead and speak with him.

our conversation actually helped me figure a few things out not only for myself but also about the witnesses.. so we're talking and i'm telling him my experience and the doctrines that i disagreed with as well as the scandals that made me disgusted with the organization.

TheListener

Remember that jw memories only extend as far back as the actual witness themself. An old teaching that was changed long before someone joined but hasn't changed during their membership - hasn't changed in their opinion.

Then, when you do convince a dub that changes happen all the time and not much is firmly fixed, they are proud of that and see it as a good thing.

No winning with a dub.

sort of like this argument from my wife: I say world is terrible and bad- she says four horseman and end times signs armageddon right around the corner; I say world is better and safer - she says peace and security therefore armageddon right around the corner.

14

Normalcy bias keeps JWs from leaving

by zimunzucz in

i have been frustrated by the inability of most jws to escape their bondage to the kh, despite repeated exposure to negative information about their religion and belief system.

perhaps it's due in part to something called normalcy bias- a definition i have found is:.

normalcy bias is part of human nature and, to some extent, we are all guilty of participating in it.

TheListener

When "faith" is involved it is easy to push all logic aside.