what was it like to live in the 1950's 1960's and early 70's as a jehovah witness.when they started to push the 1975 date..
See my brief story of that time here:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/141232/3/was-there-a-1975-scare
and if you think it was "all in the minds of weak ones in the congregation", just listen to Sinutko's talk on the subject or Floyd Kite's "Earthquake" talk. I don't have the links handy, but they are easy to find.
ive heard through different research ive done along with people ive talked too that there was a 1975 "scare" in which the time was supposed and the end was at hand
is that true
I was baptized in 1967 and pioneered during the late 60's and early 70's, and I can attest that 1975 was just about all anyone talked about at the meetings or in private. When the "Truth" book was released, we were totally focused on starting Bible studies with "right hearted ones"...and if they didn't dedicate themselves to being a JW within six months of study, we dropped them like a hot potato to move on to others. There was an excitement in the congregation and at assemblies that was palpable. I got married in 1971, but was "counseled" a number of times that with the end being so near, I should not burden myself with the distraction of taking on a wife. Every activity was measured against 1975 to classify whether it was folly to pursue or good theocratic activity.
It was an exciting time to be a JW, but after 1975 came and went, large numbers of people disappeared from the congregation. It amazes me that the WTS actually blamed "zealous" borthers for reading too much into chronology. Talk about passing the buck!!
For JW's in 2010, I would say that the those that lived during the events leading up to 1975 are either dead or long gone from the organization. The movers at Bethel behind the 1975 push are dead. In another 20 years, all connection to the events of 1975 will just be a historical memory to be buried in the crypt of old JW apocalyptical dates.
hi, i'm a bit of a lurker on this site occasionally, just to help me understand my jw relative.
i am so curious to ask this question, but i fear asking a practicing jw, because you know, they can be a tad evasive, and maybe defensive too.
lutherans say.
Tammy,
JW's use undeserved kindness (facilitated by the WTS) as an excuse to sin just as much as Christians use Grace as an excuse. We are all imperfect, so if perfect works was a requirement for Grace/undeserved kindness from God, we would all be sunk!
TYA
hi, i'm a bit of a lurker on this site occasionally, just to help me understand my jw relative.
i am so curious to ask this question, but i fear asking a practicing jw, because you know, they can be a tad evasive, and maybe defensive too.
lutherans say.
Debator,
Please answer Deputy Dog...I also want to know what the work of the evil-doer who died beside Jesus was?
As to Grace versus undeserved kindness, I see undeserved kindness as "dumbing down" Grace so JW can set themselves apart from Christendom and show how much closer to God they are. It is similar to their arguing that Jesus died on an upright stake versus on a cross...is the instrument of his death more important than the purpose of his death? They would rather argue the differences.
What is offensive about using the word Grace instead of undeserved kindness to a Witness? I guarantee that a JW will cringe at the thought of using Grace, as it has been drilled into them as being a teaching of pagan Christendom. By the way, Grace was commonly used by C.T. Russell, the founder of the WT...another reason they distance themselves from it today.
for me, it's the complex carbohydrates that when drunk with pizza, provides unmatched nutrition.
i drink harp, smithwick's, and guinness.. how about you?.
I love a good honey blonde...
remember davids words.
tell me david, whats the answer?
remember davids words.
FHN...is this a family member?
i realize that this is pretty much a non-issue, i just found it to be interesting.. as we know, the watchtower often uses a qualifier for christianity by using the term "true christians", which of course jw's know is synonymous with " jehovah's witnesses", all others would be the opposite, or "false christians".. october km, page 2 in the article "new brochure to be offered!
", introducing a november campaign to offer the brochure the bible - what is its message?, mentions in paragraphs one and three people of "non-christian religions", in a sense, isn't the watchtower acknowledging that the opposite of non-christian would be christian religions?.
i just thought this was interesting, even though it isn't meant to be understood that way..
Maybe they should have used "non-Christendom" religions...I remember how the publications always made a big deal between Christians (JW's) and Christendom (everyone else).
urban myths - watchtower style.
dear randy,.
i was raised a jw, baptised at fourteen, and left a few months before my eigtheenth birthday.
These stories remind me of a 1975 TV movie, Trilogy of Terror, that was really creepy. The show was VERY scary at the time I saw it. This movie starred Karen Black and featured a homicidal doll that chased her around the house at night trying to kill her (a la Chuckie). She finally ended up throwing it in the oven as it screamed demonically as it sizzeled. I remember some in my congo (of those who would admit watching it) claim it was based on a true story of demon possession! The sad thing was that I bought it hook, line and sinker!...
resigned as an elder last week.
briefly this is my story.
i was raised as a witness in the 60s and 70s.
Welcome...the truth, not the "Truth" will set you free.
i have never understood the watchtower's explanation of the rich man and lazarus story jesus told in luke 16. of course, they don't believe jesus is talking about what happens in an "afterlife" after people die.. but from the watchtower's point of view:.
1. who are the five brothers?.
2. why can't lazarus go witness to them?
djeggnog...
I have a question?...if parables are all illustrations and "make believe", why does the WTS take the parable of the Faithful and Discreet Slave as being literal and applicable to them?
You seem knowledgeable on things JW, so I would appreciate a response.
