Posts by Lady Zombie

1) Judas had freewill. If Judas had freewill, he could have chosen not to betray Jesus. Jesus would have been spared, at least that night. Gee, then how would the prophecy be fulfilled. See #2

2) Since it had already been prophesied, Jesus' fate had to adhere to prophecy. Therefore, Judas had to be the one to betray him (remember the scripture that suggested that Judas was 'caused' to think of betraying him). Judas therefore had no freewill. He had already been selected to be the betrayer. Remember folks, Jehovah not only is omnipotent, he is omniscient as well. He knew what was going to happen, how it would happen, who would do it, etc. How lovely. Predestined to be one of the most despised individuals in history even before his birth.

or

3) The whole thing is a big, nasty, hairy fairy tale and none of it is true.

Cue Jepordary music

"What is 'number three,' Alex?"

28

The practice of "Shepherding Calls" (attention ex-elders)

by Lady Zombie in

the practice of "shepherding calls" has always been somewhat of a mystery to me.. growing up, a shepherding call was for jws who were doing something that a few/some/most (didn't matter which) found stumbling or suspicious.

for instance, i remember my folks gossiping to each other about a jw couple who had been sloughing off the meetings in order to go dancing.

one of the congregation members (who were absent themselves on a particular night) saw them going into a dance club on a meeting night and promptly ran to an elder.

Lady Zombie

Hmmm. Ok. Still though, I don't want any JW (besides the folks) in my house, just on the principal.

I think I would lose my temper if I saw them looking all over the place while they were talking to me.

WHAT SCRIPTURAL PRINCIPAL AM I VIOLATING WITH THIS SILK FLOWER ARRANGEMENT, BROTHERS?!

THAT PRINT YOU'RE EYEBALLING IS 'THE LADY OF SHALOT' BY WATERHOUSE! YES, HE PAINTED A LOT OF MYTHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS.

YES, THOSE ARE ASTRONOMY, BIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY, AND PHYSICS SCIENCE BOOKS THERE ON THAT BOOKSHELF. WOULD YOU LIKE TO BORROW ONE?!

PISS OFF!

See, that's why I don't want them over.

28

The practice of "Shepherding Calls" (attention ex-elders)

by Lady Zombie in

the practice of "shepherding calls" has always been somewhat of a mystery to me.. growing up, a shepherding call was for jws who were doing something that a few/some/most (didn't matter which) found stumbling or suspicious.

for instance, i remember my folks gossiping to each other about a jw couple who had been sloughing off the meetings in order to go dancing.

one of the congregation members (who were absent themselves on a particular night) saw them going into a dance club on a meeting night and promptly ran to an elder.

Lady Zombie

The practice of "Shepherding Calls" has always been somewhat of a mystery to me.

Growing up, a shepherding call was for JWs who were doing something that a few/some/most (didn't matter which) found stumbling or suspicious. For instance, I remember my folks gossiping to each other about a JW couple who had been sloughing off the meetings in order to go dancing. One of the congregation members (who were absent themselves on a particular night) saw them going into a dance club on a meeting night and promptly ran to an elder. Keep in mind, except for missing meetings, the couple was in good standing. Anyway, after a shepherding call, the defeated couple made sure to make it to all the meetings.

Through all the years I've been associated, shepherding calls were for naughty JWs but who weren't quite naughty enough to have a JC formed. If an elder came up to you after a meeting and asked if he and another brother could stop by sometime to chat, you knew you were in for it.

I have had several attempts at being "shepherded" throughout my life. I was not missing any meetings, commenting, looking "happy", and all that crap, and was periodically approached for a shepherding call. Each time I refused. The look on the faces of the elders told me that although they couldn't do anything to force the issue, they were going to watch me all that more closely.

I got angry and talked to my father. I demanded to know why it was that they're so dead set giving me a shepherding call. I wasn't (technically) doing anything wrong. My father assured me that it was "routine" and that "everyone regardless got shepherding calls" and how he and my mother get shepherding calls.

I'm not calling my father a liar, but bullsh*t. Good JWs who are toeing the line do not need "shepherding." So I know damn well that they only reason they're so adamant about the issue with me is that they would dearly love to find something about me to pounce on.

I'm not well liked amongst proper JWs. I have a secular education (obtained while being a JW), I live alone, I'm independent, I don't socialize too much with the JWs, and I don't have that blank look to my eyes. I'm sure they're positive that if they come into my house, they'll find 8 million things in which to disfellowship me right there on the spot. Hahaha, I'm sure they would, but I can tell the mere thought of uncovering some horrible sinful thing has them absolutely salivating!

So, am I right to think that shepherding calls happen when you're on their radar? Or, am I mistaken and everyone gets them, as my father states.

Oh, by the way, I have a *gasp!* illegal copy of "Pay Attention To Yourselves And To All The Flock." I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but through JWD, I found Wikileaks and downloaded it from there. Which pages deal with this issue?

42

I just can't pick up my pieces and continue with my life...

by justhuman in

jw
friends

i'm feeling so down lately my psycology has reached to the bottom.

sometimes i wish i never been born.

looking back my life all there is left is pain.

Lady Zombie

Before I say anything, I want you to know I understand how you feel. I was born-in and planned to suicide when I was 14. There are still times when the anger, sadness, and regret wash over me, but if I kill myself, they (JWs) win. And that is one thing I will not allow to happen.

No, no one can give back our stolen years. But remember this, no one can take the years in front of us away!

I know it's hard and sometimes you just want to lay down and die, but it will get better. You will have adventures and experiences that will be joyful. You could have never had them as a JW and if you allow them (JWs) to win and kill yourself, you give up your right to claim your happy times as your own.

Hang in there. These feelings shall pass. I promise.

12

Elder: "Why are apostates ANGRY???"

by hamsterbait in

i was talking to my brother, who remembered an elder who came (in the mundane sense) on a regular basis to talk to us for shepherding calls.. sadly i now realise we got all these calls on cold winter sudays, because with unbaptized kids they could count the time.

( i used to think the borg just cared more in those days).

anyway - this time he went on and on about apostates, it was just before the dc.

Lady Zombie

Wow. He's right! Why should I be angry?!

I have no call to be angry about; being born into a cult, given no choice as to whether I follow the cult or not, having all my decision about my life made for me, being told I am deficient constantly, contemplating suicide at 14 because of it, living with the knowledge that my folks' love is conditional upon my "obedience" to the WTBTS, and so on.

Nope. No call to be angry at all.

51

I re-entered the Matrix

by digderidoo in

jw
friends

recently i posted a thread that i no longer wish to take part in discussions here as i felt uncomfortable wt bashing.

however, i feel that i have to start posting if only from time to time as i am at a very different stage as i was only 4 weeks ago.

i know i haven't been 'disfellowshipped' from here, even though i've disagreed with forum rules recently or have i 'disassociated' myself from this board as i still feel myself drawn to it.. i'll try to be brief with this, but the content could be drawn out.. as some of you are aware i have been battling alcoholism or alcohol dependency as i prefer to call it now (thats another story).

Lady Zombie

First, good work with controling your drinking!

Don't you just hate the "fine examples" of JW living that they parade around? So, flushing one's life down the toilet and living in poverty is noble? Those who want an education so that they may live a more comfortable and enriched life are made to feel sinful and worldly.

You just keep doing whatever works for you in order to remain sober and sane. No one has the right to judge you.

:)

24

Need help responding to a pioneer

by megs in

i posed the question to a pioneer who had been giving me bible studies.

my question was quite simple: "in john 3:16, doesn't it say that whosoever believeth in him will have eternal life?

my understanding of this scripture is that eternal life is given to all who believe in christ and believe he died to save sinners.

Lady Zombie

Why did "Vernae" just message me with the same 50 page diatribe he/she just posted?!

24

Need help responding to a pioneer

by megs in

i posed the question to a pioneer who had been giving me bible studies.

my question was quite simple: "in john 3:16, doesn't it say that whosoever believeth in him will have eternal life?

my understanding of this scripture is that eternal life is given to all who believe in christ and believe he died to save sinners.

Lady Zombie

Oooo good! You have secular education. That pioneer lady is going to have her work cut out for her! *evil laugh*

Most of the JW doctrine is, quite frankly and excuse my phrasing, pulled out of their ass by bending, stretching, and forcing scriptures to say what they want them to say. Like you and Billy were discussing about John 3:16. A JW will take you on a convoluted journey using their publications and oddly applied scriptures that "proves" that faith alone is not enough.

In fact, insist on using your own bible during your studies. She can use hers (New World Translation) and you can use yours. If you run across scriptures that are different from one another, watch as she'll try to tell you how the NWT is the most accurate translation. Ask her why. She'll probably tell you about the Greek and Hebrew "scholars" at Bethel.

Scholars?! Check this out....http://www.spiritwatch.org/jwnwt.htm

And so on.

There's truth and then there's JW "truth."

24

Need help responding to a pioneer

by megs in

i posed the question to a pioneer who had been giving me bible studies.

my question was quite simple: "in john 3:16, doesn't it say that whosoever believeth in him will have eternal life?

my understanding of this scripture is that eternal life is given to all who believe in christ and believe he died to save sinners.

Lady Zombie

If I might suggest something, insist that she studies with you using only the bible, and not WT publications + a wee little bit of the bible.

JWs are the masters of circular arguments backed up with their own publications.

The simple crux of the matter is, the JWs have always encouraged people to "read their bible" and they go around offering "free home bible studies." Therefore, it's only fair to insist that they put their money where their mouths are.

Sure, the average JW has more knowledge of what's in the bible than the average Joe/Jane on the street. That's why people agree to study with them, because they wow them at first with their scriptural knowledge. But on the other hand, the JWs get pretty shakey when forced to promote their doctrine using just the bible.

That should address any doubts as to if the JWs actually have the truth.