Posts by Sugar Shane

24

WT March 15, 2016 - Kids pressured toward baptism again

by Designer Stubble in

the study wt of march 2016 is up on jw.org and is the standard article around this time of year...pressuring young kids to dedicate their lives to the organization again.

this wt will be studied during may, so just in time to pressure them into baptism at the regional conventions this summer.such articles really upset me, as the realization of how many young promising lives will be destroyed.

how many families will be broken up, when the child who got baptized as a minor (ages 6 and up are mentioned in the literature) decides as a young adult that his/her conscience no longer allows him/her to be part of such a destructive cult.

Sugar Shane

I'll pose this again, since this thread has gotten bumped up.

Kid's mom is JW. I'm not. Never was, hence not 'apostate' by their definition. I've been invited to some of the social gatherings, ect., despite my worldliness. So, maybe it's love-bombing on their part. I'm a professional, with a pretty solid career & varied interests, so perhaps they see me as a worthy recruit?

Anyway, my oldest kid is wising up to all the abuse problems. I showed him some video of the ARC. He's NOT in a hurry to get baptised.

So, in light of the WT article promoting baptisms, and the fact that big conventions are normally held during the summer, I plan to head this off by politely, yet firmly, letting the elders know that ANY DECISION to baptize one of MY KIDS goes through ME first. I'm the head of my household, and I have WT literature (provided to me by one of the elders) which states my headship very clearly.

NOTE: my personal view is that they not be baptised in ANY religion (including the Methodist denomination I was raised in) until they are of age to make that decision on their own, as a legal adult (18).

I'm wondering, based on some of your experiences, what sort of backlash, if any I should expect from these elders. I'm not at all intimidated by them, but I would like to know what to expect, so I can be ready for a counter-jab, or 'knock-out'-LoL

In the end, I won't get sucked into debating Bible doctrine with them. If they so much as challenge my headship, I'll beat them over their heads with their own literature, and threaten to take legal action against them. My attorney's last name is...Zalkin. "Hey elder Bob, go call your legal department just like your little 'Flock' book says, and run that name by them."

83

Christadelphian

by Billy1000 in

my name is stephen and i am new to the forum.

i am a christadelphian and through my discussions with fellow members of my ecclesia it has inspired me to reach out to other religions to find out exactly what others believe to enhance my own faith and further bring me closer to our heavenly father.

in no way do i mean disrespect if it has been caused.

Sugar Shane

Understood, thanks

83

Christadelphian

by Billy1000 in

my name is stephen and i am new to the forum.

i am a christadelphian and through my discussions with fellow members of my ecclesia it has inspired me to reach out to other religions to find out exactly what others believe to enhance my own faith and further bring me closer to our heavenly father.

in no way do i mean disrespect if it has been caused.

Sugar Shane

I don't buy into the whole 'Noah's Flood killed the dinosaurs' thing myself. I love science. I don't take Biblical 'Fire & Brimstone' literally. I love reading Asimov, Carl Sagan, Arthur C Clarke, Kurt Vonnegut, and the like. Steven Hawkings as well: both Sci-fi & sci-fact.

I've seen plenty of scientific evidence to refute the JWs literal interpretation of the Bible, as well as the literal interpretation of certain other religions. Despite what we know about black holes, gravity waves, dark matter, gamma-ray bursts, ect., there is still room for spirituality, IMO, to help understand the wonders around us. But yeah, 6000 years of human existence, my ass. Ha.

Maybe my 'damaged goods' label was a little blunt, but the JWs I've known to 'wake up,' are pretty...rattled, for quite some time. As if they just broke out of a cacoon. The movie 'Matrix' comes to mind.

83

Christadelphian

by Billy1000 in

my name is stephen and i am new to the forum.

i am a christadelphian and through my discussions with fellow members of my ecclesia it has inspired me to reach out to other religions to find out exactly what others believe to enhance my own faith and further bring me closer to our heavenly father.

in no way do i mean disrespect if it has been caused.

Sugar Shane

BILLY! Here's a great article that touches on WHY so many JWs become atheist, or agnostic, as opposed to switching to other denominations, or developing a more personal relationship with JC through the Bible. BTW: most 'mainstream' denominations do just that, try to help the believer foster a personal relationship. Few, that I've run across regard themselves as the one and only TRUE religion, though unfortunately, that's what all JWs believe about theirs. They are taught that all other churches are part of evil 'Chistandom.' They are also staunch Biblical literalists, yet the interpetations they take so literally are often twisted to begin with. Add all the Pharisee-like rules and regulations, and it's no wonder they want nothing to do with organized religion of any kind, after 'waking up.' Spiritually speaking, they've become 'damaged goods' by this time, whether they want to admit or not.

I'm a non-JW, though I have some in the family. So, I'm on the outside looking in. I do consider myself a believer in JC's sacrifice, but I don't judge. I don't shun. And some of my best buds are what you'd consider agnostic/atheist. One of them is a dog lover, and raises service dogs. Anyway, here's a link to that article:

http://thewatchtowerfiles.com/ex-jws-atheists/

Fear and Loathing in Brooklyn

by Sugar Shane in

i just had a wild thought.

what if hunter s. thompson would've covered a major jw assembly/get-together?.

is there anyone out there who will carry the mantle, and write "fear and loathing in brooklyn (warwick)?

Sugar Shane

I just had a wild thought. What if Hunter S. Thompson would've covered a major JW assembly/get-together?

Is there anyone out there who will carry the mantle, and write "Fear and Loathing in Brooklyn (Warwick)?"

I expect that just about anyone under 30, or those who grew up as JWs likely don't have a clue who he was. He was definitely out of the mainstream, hence off limits to most JWs, I'm sure. I'm willing to bet, however, that Trey Bundy is a fan of this journalistic anti-hero.

Here's a taste:

http://youtu.be/tnvJ5xtZpi0

33

Need to vent: My loathing for the JW cult increases more and more, while my wife clings more and more to it

by goingthruthemotions in

just as i think my loathing for the jw cult has peaked, it goes higher and higher.

i wish this cult would just go away.

i wish my wife would just wake up.

Sugar Shane

Yep. It's hard NOT to get angry. I just try not to let her pull me into an argument. I simply make my case (financial decision, life choices, ect.), and try to get her involved in the decisionmaking process, as a Captain might consult the 1st Mate. If she resorts to "but you always ______," or "you never ______." Then I take the British 'stiff upper lip' approach (I'm actually American) and tell her sternly, but without yelling, that if she doesn't want to be a team player, then I'll take what course of action I deem necessary, and execute it. Again, as a Captain would do in exercising his/her authority. Upon making such a statement, I'll usually leave the situation and let things cool down. Not backing down, but not getting sucked into an argument either. Going to my bud's house to help him work on his old Mustang is theraputic as well. And it also shows her that I have my own life outside of hers.

It works for me...but admittedly, it's not a one size fits all solution. Having a special needs child involved ain't easy. I can attest to that. Blessings to your daughter, zeb.

33

Need to vent: My loathing for the JW cult increases more and more, while my wife clings more and more to it

by goingthruthemotions in

just as i think my loathing for the jw cult has peaked, it goes higher and higher.

i wish this cult would just go away.

i wish my wife would just wake up.

Sugar Shane

I even help her get ready sometimes if she is running late.

I used to be the same way. I'd even do the dishes, or laundry when she was busy at the assembly, or going door to door all day.

These are called 'caretaking' behaviors. There's a difference between caretaking and helping out around the house. Does she change the oil in the car, or mow the grass when you work overtime? I'm willing to bet the answer is "no." Not saying there aren't some ladies who would do this, though.

Caretaking is when you do things to please her, hoping she'll recognize your 'nice guy' attributes. Cleaning, sweeping, helping her get ready for assemblies, ect. I learned my lesson, and finally just took on a philosophy that rhymes with "bucket." Just insert an F.

Instead of helping her get ready for assemblies, join the Rotary Club or something. You do YOUR thing, while she does HERS. Next thing you know...dishes stop piling up, & laundry gets folded.

Get your own group of non-JW man friends, if that's possible. Hang out with them sometimes. She'll get it after a while, that your not an appeasing doormat to be walked all over. It worked for me, but I'm not a JW, never have been. So, I'm not subject to the elder's wrath if I form 'bad associations.'

Check out the books I referenced earlier in this thread. Women...I think there are some things in there that would help you as well, esp if your married to an uber-JW elder type yes-man. I've found that many of them are 'nice guys' in the sense that they live to please the ORG. In other words, they take the caretaking role to the other extreme, of putting the ORG first. I think alot of women in this situation can 'MAN UP' in similar ways that the guys can. Good luck & be strong.

I try hard to keep the peace.

And that's the problem!! Stop trying to keep the peace. Stop walking on eggshells. Be your own man on your own terms. But, do what's RIGHT. Like Mr. Walton. Not to sound like a goddamn commercial, but I strongly recommend you read those books I mentioned. Another one is "Hold on to your N.U.T.S. (Non-negotiable, Unalterable Terms). " different author, but right on the mark.

33

Need to vent: My loathing for the JW cult increases more and more, while my wife clings more and more to it

by goingthruthemotions in

just as i think my loathing for the jw cult has peaked, it goes higher and higher.

i wish this cult would just go away.

i wish my wife would just wake up.

Sugar Shane

As someone else alluded to, you should strive to be her 'rock.' Keep an even keel. Do what's best for the family...unconditionally, like the Walton's dad.

I was in a similar situation. The book "Iron John," helped me to start to sort things out. Then, "No More Mr. Nice Guy," by Dr. Glover helped tremendously. Gave me a sort-of template upon which to build. Not a magic bullet, but something that pays off if you put the effort in. Like the Jesus analogy of "give a man a fish" vs "teach a man to fish," if that makes sense.

I like the 'red pill' idea too, as long as you can combine it with copious amounts of non-JW time. Surprise her with dinner out (without asking her)...just do it..or perhaps you're already doing that. Any kind of romantic 'take charge' stuff should help.

50

2016-2-17-Destroy Previous S-77 Forms!

by Atlantis in

these numbers and letters:--gbr659967--are the only identifying markson this boe..the "informant" who sent it said:.

"this letter came through the congregation inbox and so hasn't got theusual identifying information.

the name of the file is probably thebest way to identify it.

Sugar Shane

My apologies if my post appeared to downplay the molestation issues. This wasn't my intent at all. If you read my other posts, you'll see that I'm pretty furious at the attempts they've made at covering up child molestion. I'm on your side here.

I had just finished looking at all the forms posted by Atlantis, and I had a "WTF!?" moment. All those silly forms with designation codes, like the "S-77" form, and those ridiculous blue colored envelopes.

I do agree, that ANY form, even a table napkin, which includes notes on abuse, should be taken deadly-serious by law enforcement authorities anywhere. I really wish the Feds here in the US would investigate the JW leadership. Confiscate their hard-drives, ect., then start locking those bastards up in Rikers Island!

Sugar.

50

2016-2-17-Destroy Previous S-77 Forms!

by Atlantis in

these numbers and letters:--gbr659967--are the only identifying markson this boe..the "informant" who sent it said:.

"this letter came through the congregation inbox and so hasn't got theusual identifying information.

the name of the file is probably thebest way to identify it.

Sugar Shane

WTF is up with all this 'secret squirrel' bullshit?!

I'm not a JW, so from my perspective, it seems like they view themselves as equal, or similar to a government agency. What a crock! I have filled out various government forms in the past, such as the US Nat'l Agency Questionnaire, and other forms for civil service. My employment has not required a confidential or above security clearance, but I'm pretty familiar with the screening process.

The distinction is, that these Gov't forms actually mean something, and they carry the weight of the law-- such as when you file your taxes.

These JW elders, and their higher ranking members seem convinced that their little system of forms and BOE letters equates to some kind of official, important, high-level, secret correspondence. Maybe that's the case within their little fishbowl. But, for those of us on the outside looking in, it just looks pathetic.