True. But it took me a long, long time to realize who "the stupid ones" really were!
Me too, Willy!
i received a message on my telephone voice mail by a person who attended a jehovah's witness assembly this past weekend.
i believe the assembly was in michigan.
the caller told me it was announced from the platform that if a person is not attending the meetings on a regular basis active witnesses should not be associating with them.
True. But it took me a long, long time to realize who "the stupid ones" really were!
Me too, Willy!
And what does Evian spell backwards? I know it's an old, bad joke... oh well
Several years ago benzene was found in some of the Perrier water shipped to the US. Apparently, the contamination occurred in the shipping and distribution process and not at the source. The water is sourced from a natural underground mineral spring in Vergeze, France.
The only thing that might be bad for you/us is contributing to process that ships water several thousands of miles. Like we can't find a decent drink of water close:). I love Aqua Panna, so I guess I am guilty as well.
i wondered how did your "best" jw friends react to when you told them you're leaving wts?.
after i found out all i needed to know i called up my old friend who i thought was a good friend but i knew he was a die hard dub and i told him to write down a book and read it.
i was refering to russell's thy kingdom come.
Excellent point, trl
To remain in the cult, you have to believe that others are crazy not to believe it. It's just the way cults work.
i know i have threatened to do this before, like when i first left.
but i am thinking of going to college.
this time, i feel determined.
Jeff,
We are really happy with your decision. You will excel at college. I can tell by your inquisitive mind and excellent writing style. Going to college as an adult may seem difficult, but in reality the professors and fellow students appreciate good thinking, effort and a willingness to learn. The only problem with starting college as an adult - in my opinion- is that you need to select a degree that has a high probability of a rewarding career. For instance, fields such as accounting and engineering and business sometimes lead to great jobs, but the large firms usually hire younger people and abuse the heck out of them and see who survives. If you survive you end up making a lot of money and have nice schedule.
You might want to look at degrees that end up with you on a level playing field with fellow graduates. A graduate degree in accounting (as a CPA) would allow you to hang up your own shingle or start in a smaller firm. A degree in education (with a certificate) would make you immediately employable. In many parts of the country there is a real shortage of teachers - I don't know where you live - at times if you agree to teach certain subjects or in certain areas your education will be paid for and paid internships are available.
Human resources is another area where being a little older may be an advantage. Many older hires are more slanted toward organizational development than HR. But in this field, experience is a plus, maybe even your Gilead experience.
Another avenue to consider is going all the way and pursuing a doctoral level degree. This would allow you to teach or research at a university. And while the time and expense can be tough, the end result can be very rewarding.
My last thought on the issue - with the limited knowledge that I have about you - is to pursue a degree and certification in speech pathology. You likely have excellent language skills, a good empathic listening style and a love of people - combining those skills would make you a great speech pathologist. They are highly employable and the pay is great.
All the best,
zarco
some time this week i will be interviewed by a couple of university students doing a project on jehovahs' witnesses.
the one i spoke to knows very little about them.. it will be an interview on my personal experience as a jw but from her initial phone call we saw that my answers easily led to more questions.
she doesn't realize she is talking about a cult but began to get the idea that the wts has a lot of control over the lives of jws.. so the education thing came up and i explained how education beyond high school was not encouraged and even though they give lip service to it post-secondary education is still not highly recommended.. which got me to thinking.
Lloyd Barry and Albert Schroeder were the only ones that received a degree to the best of my memory. I will try to dig up references.
then: get up grumpy, shower, go to starbucks, leave magazine to start time, drive to kingdom hall, hope to be able to work with friends in service so we can do just a few doors and then calls and an early lunch.. .
now: get up when i wake up, make coffee, read the boards, read the wsj and sf chronicle, wait for wife to wake up, take dog on a walk and decide what fun things to do in the bay area this weekend.. i love my weekends now!.
zarco.
Then: Get up grumpy, shower, go to Starbucks, leave magazine to start time, drive to Kingdom Hall, hope to be able to work with friends in service so we can do just a few doors and then calls and an early lunch.
Now: Get up when I wake up, make coffee, read the boards, read the WSJ and SF Chronicle, wait for wife to wake up, take dog on a walk and decide what fun things to do in the bay area this weekend.
I love my weekends now!
zarco
what things about elders do only elders know and the rest of us dont?
i never knew they had a hand book till i came on here.
unsure why they dont mention it because surely its not meant to be a secret?.
Georgiegirl,
I am so sorry. May you find peace and strength.
zarco
what things about elders do only elders know and the rest of us dont?
i never knew they had a hand book till i came on here.
unsure why they dont mention it because surely its not meant to be a secret?.
The elders are taught flawed policy and procedures, nothing more. Elder Schools are all about procedures with a little technique thrown in. No special knowledge, skill or training. They generally are not the most talented teachers, the most adept at helping with real life needs, nor are they the most spiritual.
You know everything and more than they know.
zarco
"altai court condemns jehovah's witnesses for 'extremism' ".
http://www.asianews.it/index.php?l=en&art=16505&size=a.
This is a tough situation on many fronts. The WTS organization is full of flawed extreme policies that harm its members. The court ruling will further harm the members of the WTS. If the ruling could impact those responsible – the GB and their assistants – then at least the universal principle of reaping and sowing would make the decision at least somewhat palatable. But having the individual brothers and sisters in Russia suffer the consequences is just wrong.
It is also ironic that a totalitarian government (slight exaggeration) is censuring another totalitarian organization (no exaggeration).
The history of court victories in the US early in the WTS history has emboldened the current legal department to be in a hurry to the courtroom. If the WTS is really interested in opening up Russia to its religion it should have used diplomatic approaches highlighting the benefits and responsibilities that come to nations deemed “most favored nations” to allow open and free commerce. The principles that come with MFN status would protect their flawed religion. The arrogance of the legal boys got in the way in this situation
zarco