today i received greg stafford's new book three dissertations on the teachings of jehovah's witnesses.
for those who don't know, stafford has been a staunch defender of the watchtower society's teachings for at least six years, on the net and in print.
his previous book, jehovah's witnesses defended (1998, 2000), is a milestone in pro-jw literature.. the new book is a radical departure from stafford's previous book in that he strongly questions the society's doctrines about blood transfusions, the basis for the claim of spiritual authority by jw leaders, the necessity for christians to believe the society's 1914 doctrine, and issues of "legalism" including the propriety of requiring "time" in the field ministry to be reported, and even the supposed scriptural basis for the society's ban on celebrating birthdays and christmas.
Another great thread. They're coming too fast these days.
Alan, thanks for transcribing a section of the preface. If, as you indicate, this sets the tone for the rest of the book, then it is my opinion that Stafford is in a lot of trouble. Even if this is all he said, I think he is in a lot of trouble.
David
"it only takes a moment.
a moment of sanity.
clarity.
AlanF Thanks. Watch your email over the next couple of days.
Dave seven006 A very moving experience. Thanks for sharing.
David
"it only takes a moment.
a moment of sanity.
clarity.
I don't post too often, usually because I can't think of anything to say. I still can't think of too much to say, but this thread has made me tremble. SmolderingWick, your experience is a heartbreaking one, and I can identify with every emotion that you have had to grapple with: that feeling of life closing in on you and there's nothing you can do about it except "wait on Jehovah" and the dawning realization that Jehovah doesn't care-------you're on your own and the Brothers don't care either. But somehow you slowly put it together and figure it out and you survive. At least those lucky ones among us do. Beautiful post,SW.
To a few of my favorite posters:
AlanF
I finally and reluctanctly realized that Watchtower leaders are incorrigibly evil.When one is coming out of the organization,one becomes aware that the Society has made a few mistakes over the years and you want to pass it off as "oh-well-nobody's-perfect." But when the dawning realization starts washing up on you that the leadership is actually wicked----that's hard to take,and I guess, for me,that was the "kick."
Scully That green and yellow pill (aka Prozac) seems to be as much a part of the Witness "suit of armour" as the book-bag. I've heard from some pretty reliable sources that in this area at least, around 4/5th's of the sisters and a sizeable number of the brothers are using it, and, for some odd reason, they're proud of it and they wear it as a badge of honor. Like it proves that they're suffering for righteousness' sake or something. Oh well-----Jehovah's happy people. Your "friend" that gave you the last kick sounds par for the course. I feel very sorry for her; maybe she'll get a "kick" of her own someday and finally wake up to the insanity of it all. Take care.
Joy2bfree Happy to see that your exit is going well.
Freeman
At 40 years old, I cried and cried like a little kid because the Watchtower was now dead, the fantasy was over, and I did not want it to be over. Yes, I would grow old and die and so would my kids. At that moment I knew that it was all a lie and that I had lived a lie. I was such a fool to waste so much of my life on it.Godalmighty,I know that horrifying feeling. Just like realizing that the leadership of the Society is actually wicked, it was hard for me to finally realize that our "hope" was nothing but a fantasy, a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and that I and all my family and loved ones are going to die-------it's only a question of when.
JT Succinct and to the point,as usual.
Great thread. One comes along every once in a while. That's why I love this place.
David
it was great.. me and my freinds + brother stood at the back with our dffd freind talking, smiling and laughing at the po.. we then went to the pub, and go drunk.. brill.. josephus
Very good point, RedhorseWoman!
it was great.. me and my freinds + brother stood at the back with our dffd freind talking, smiling and laughing at the po.. we then went to the pub, and go drunk.. brill.. josephus
Is it just me,or does anyone else see something wrong with going into a place of worship where people are gathered for their most solemn and important occasion, and showing such rude and callous behavior. I'm certainly no fan of the Society or the Organization and I haven't been to a Memorial in maybe 10 years, but I would never go just to be a boor and cause disruption.
Maybe it's just me.......
David
PS Just read Rags comment----maybe it's not just me.
what is your favorite perfume?
how do you like to smell[lol], and how do you like your significant other to smell?
is scent a sexual stimulant for you?
"Escape." The greatest fragrance ever invented. Everytime I smell it, it makes me howl at the moon.
i reeceived an email today that said:.
we visited my parents in fl last weekend, and though they're still .
technically witnesses, they consider themselves double agents.
I really doubt that the Society would be considering out-sourcing any of their printing. However, after considering the different angles, here's one that noboby has mentioned which could be related to the problems that led to discontinuing the subscriptions: Much like the "Wall Street Journal" or "USA Today", they could have several printers in strategic locations around the country produce the magazines; distribution to the congregations would be simpler and much cheaper. Anyone have a thought on that?
But I still have my doubts that they would get this desperate (or innovative).......
David
several years ago i heard this song on the radio several times.
i have wanted to get a copy of it, but i don't know the title or the group or person that sings it.
i would like to know if anyone here know this song.
"Talk to Myself" by Christopher Williams. About 1990,I think.
i know of an active jw who lies.
the thing is, this person probably believes what they're saying is true.
they are basically lying to themselves first, then repeating it to my wife and me.
When Pontius Pilate was questioning Jesus just before he handed him over to the mob,he asked the question: "What is truth?" I always wondered why he would ask this. Why was it so important that John(or whoever wrote "John") would include it in his narrative. "Truth",of course, is cut and dried and does not stray into the gray area. Or so I thought when I was in the "Truth". Since I have left the Organization, my thinking has metamorphosed (how do you like that word?) so much that I now see things much differently than I used to,and I think I know what Pilate meant when he asked: "What is truth?" The cynical ruler well knew that the "truth" is anything you want to believe, regardless of how unsound it might be or even how ridiculous it is. I myself have noticed that the human capacity for self-deception is boundless. In answer to your question,Thinker,I don't think there is an answer. But I feel like your friend is probably a pathological liar who, of course, only tells the truth.
David
i'm so upset the more i read and find out about the society.
its all hard to take for me but i'm accepting it more and more.
the problem i have is that i want so bad to tell my mom what i have found out.
Hello,Flower. My heart goes out to you and I wish you all the best. I have to put in with everyone else and advise you not to say anything that could endanger your standing with your parents. Since you are disfellowshipped,they are apparently willing to bend the rules a little or you wouldn't be living with them and they wouldn't be talking to you. So that's a start. I'm trying to think this through,but it might even be good if the elders started leaning on them a little about their association with you,and they could see first-hand some of the Society's heavy-handed mercy in action. What do think? Or would they buy the party line and ask you to move? Got to be careful here. But they are talking to you and that's something. And no one can say that older ones don't get fed-up with the organization and leave. I was born into the "truth",and both of my parents have left in the past year after 50+ years of faithful service. It doesn't happen often,but it does happen. But in the meantime,say nothing about their activities in the organization. One thing you might do,though,is start contacting schools for the blind and get a lot of information concerning cirriculum,financial aid, etc., and plant the seed that there is a big world out there and there's a lot of people that would love to associate with your mother and help her lead a fuller life. But whatever you do,don't run down the Organization. I sure hope it works out----let us know how it goes.
David
P.S. Just read Mum's post,and she has a good point.The more you can learn about the addicted personality,the better you'll be able to cope and help them cope.
