Well that is a loaded question (does it hide anything). The most telling thing that RR showed, was the hand written reference accompanying written material that a male who was found guilty of molesting a child could later, once determined to be repentive, hold a position. I think most JWs know what it contains because we have either seen it from family members or people who have left have kept the book and passed it around. However, in an effort to not come out and specifically say anything that might reflect badly upon the WTBTS and their policies, it is often times considered secret and hidden from the rest of the pubs. I think the WTBTS' belief is that if they are silent or they give the usual run around response that it will distract people enough not to cause a ripple.
looking_glass
JoinedPosts by looking_glass
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looking_glass
It is like the book that pioneers study during pioneer school. It is geared specifically for elders and issues they may address as such. It is only given to those elders who go to the school. Many elders will refer to the book or the school when there is an "issue" that is beyond their reasoning - which is most of the time.
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Shunning and Friendship...two different things.
by gumby inthis thread is started as a result of our friend lola's thread about meeting with elders and why.. it was mentioned by our poster that many would see folly in worrying about offending the ladies that helped her and that they were not true friends since they would shun her were she dfed.. is this what many of you think?.
do you think if family or friends shun you after you are dfed or daed they are not "true friends"?.
well i totally disagree.. does a mother or father who lets their child die due to refusing a blood transfusion.....not love their child?
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looking_glass
I have not been shunned by my family. They are a little touched in the head, so they don't fit in with most JWs and their beliefs. However, I was shunned by one of my closest friends. Initially it was upsetting. However, I realized that she was doing what she thought was best for me. In the end all it did was end the friendship. When I heard she had cancer, I sent her a card, wishing her well. I continued to hear about her thru the grape vine. From what I understand she is in remission. Just the same as she has to live her life and what she feels is right. I have to live mine. I feel it is important for me to send out good vibes (Karma and all). Also, feel that for those who have shunned me (and she is the only one I can think of), it is her loss. Only YOU can allow someone to have power over you. Also, JWs are not the only people who practice this policy. I have seen it in any other fundamentalist religions as well. Organized religion can be a catalyst for good or for evil.
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Do you still say you are a JW?
by architect inthe lastest study article says in a nut shell that we should tell our new workmates/employer that we are a jw..for you folks who do not attend anymore or you've got out of the "theocratic routine" do you still make it know you are a jw?
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looking_glass
For the people I am close to at work, they know my background. For the majority, they have no clue. There are a couple of a JWs that work here and I would rather they not think we have things in common, so as to think we should discuss things. That is all I need! My general response if questioned is - my family are JWs. I know the beliefs and I respect the people who live their life according to the beliefs because it is a tough religion to be a part of and I leave it at that.
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JW urban legends
by Highlander ini remember very few of the details, of when, where and exactly what took place, however a few years ago i was told the story about three elders that were walking together and the middle.
elder was struck and killed by lightning.
the other two elders went to his house to help out his wife and discovered 'apostate' material in their home.
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looking_glass
Or how about the robber/rapist (interchangable depending on who is telling the story) that was hiding under the bed and when the mom read from the bible that night to little Johnny, the robber/rapist heard it and then snuck out and later became a regular pioneer. The speaker said it was Jah's HS protecting the family/woman. This story was told once on the stage at a 2 day CA and a male friend of mine was so angry because as he put it - so those women here who have been rapped, they did not have Jah's HS protecting them how does that make them feel, now they have been raped twice, once by a sicko and another time by these [spew of swear words]. Wow was he angry.
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So, why did I meet with the elders?
by lola28 inthis is my explanation as to why i met with the elders today.
when i agreed to meet with the elders last week i had made up my mind to just go in and be honest with them.
i was going to tell the elders that i no longer believed this to be the truth, and then i was just going to walk away.
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looking_glass
Lola - you had the courage and strength that many people (including those of us here) do not have. You should be commended for having a position and sticking to it regardless of how people react. Each person is responsible for taking their own steps in life and I doubt for those who were critical of you that they would have showed the same strength you showed. I hope the very best for you and your future endevors.
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Shunning and Friendship...two different things.
by gumby inthis thread is started as a result of our friend lola's thread about meeting with elders and why.. it was mentioned by our poster that many would see folly in worrying about offending the ladies that helped her and that they were not true friends since they would shun her were she dfed.. is this what many of you think?.
do you think if family or friends shun you after you are dfed or daed they are not "true friends"?.
well i totally disagree.. does a mother or father who lets their child die due to refusing a blood transfusion.....not love their child?
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looking_glass
Gumby well said. I agree wholeheartedly about the "loyalty" issue. It is exactly like those who are willing to risk their lives in war for a country. These people do it for their God. They are not doing it to be mean, but as a form of "tough love".
It is a shame that Lola felt that she had to justify herself. I am sure her road was hard regardless and to have to explain and defend her actions to strangers or people she thought were friendly must have made her decision and resolve that much harder. I give her a lot of credit for her courage and strength to go thru with the whole thing and then to share it with us here.
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Comments on photo please?
by Smiles in.
http://www.everythink.org/pictures/downtown/jehovahs%20witness.jpg .
edited to re-size photo ~ scully
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looking_glass
The guy stands at Lake and Clark. It is in the Loop and not in Wrigleyville. There are tons of JWs walking around doing "street work" in the area. I was informed by one when I asked why they are not going "door to door" any more, that because the city is mostly high rise and the buildings are secure, they are not able to reach anyone so they do street work instead. However, when I was active, the thing I remember they taught us was "eye contact", these people look frightened, and are looking at their feet (or in this guys case, looking like he is going to punch you in the face if you say - no thank you). I have never talked to the guy, but I think he would sound like the characters from Saturday Night Live - Da Bears, Da Cubs.
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Comments on photo please?
by Smiles in.
http://www.everythink.org/pictures/downtown/jehovahs%20witness.jpg .
edited to re-size photo ~ scully
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looking_glass
I know this guy. The funniest thing is that if you could see the sign across from the guy it says "Nuts on Clark" and he is standing directly across from it. Hey Smiles, when did you take this? The guy is there by himself a lot or in the pedway as well. Some times he has a chick or two with him. The other thing is that I catch him doing reading while he is standing there. Some times I want to walk up to him and say "you are cheating, how will you catch people's eyes so as to have a conversation with them, if you are doing your weekly bible reading?".
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SHUNNED FATHER DEATHSUIT AGAINST THE WATCHTOWER - UPDATE
by SHUNNED FATHER inthe name of the trust fund is save the children.
the cheques should be made out to: save the children and mailed to:.
save the children.
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looking_glass
Does it not appear that both houses are throwing stones. JWs come to this site to read and argue and then possibly use the info against ex-spouses or soon to be ex-JWs. But in turn Ex-jws go to the meetings, read the mags or lit. and then post very long draw out explanations of why the JW belief system is all screwed up or have web sites that argue the beliefs. We all have an agenda, anyone who claims not to have one is not enlightened enough to know the nature of humans.
As for accepting or not accepting of medical treatment or care. That is a whole different subject. To each person is their resolve. I have dealt with people (not JWs) who did not want to undergo chemo anymore and they refused to do it, their insurance company denied their claims and the hospital/treaters went after them for the full amount. Whether it is blood, chemo or surgery, every person has to reach their own resolve for their own reasons.
Remember people, besides humans having an agenda, they each have their own story to tell (two sides to every story). I would hope as people who have been spoon fed doctrine that was blindly believed that we no longer take something at face value but investigate every part of it. If we choose to believe one individual over another, then good for us, at least we are informed as to our beliefs.
Peace to all.