while responding to another post, i started to wonder how many other current or former elders out there have also seen the high turnover rate among elders.
before i left the jws a couple of years ago, i was an elder for about 4 years and within that time i saw the local elder body drop from eight to four people.
even before that it seemed that the elder body had a revolving door on it.
Roybatty,
Once one becomes an elder, you think you are in such a coveted position. Isn't it amazing some, after a while realize the WT are just power hungry dictators. They use so-called privileges to set the hook and lead you ragged and tired and will spit you out after years of loyal service. After 10 tears being an elder, I can truly say I hate the WT ways and will never return.
HCM
p.s. tears (years) was a typo but I think I'll leave it.
here are some questions i have prepeared for my elders if and when they deside to visit me.. anymore you can suggest?.
questions?.
1. gentile times.. a. why do we believe in such a thing as the gentile times?
Sleepy,
Your questions make lot of sense. May I add just one?
How do the diaper laden old men, the gb, prove they are any more inspired of god than a pile of fresh laid dog shit ?
HCM
this article in todays sunday times.
i have simply copied and pasted it as it appeared: http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/.
september 23 2001 terrorism: .
Englishman,
Thank you for posting this.
HCM
made this point on another post.. i have heard repeatedly that what happened in nyc doesn't concern the rest of the world.. .
but, while watching a show on tlc last night, some really made the issue clear about whether the rest of the world needs to be involved.. they interviewed a high-ranking government official in nairobi, kenya.. this man was reminiscing on the fact that during the bombing attacks on the us embassy in 1998, osama bin laden was willing to sacrifice 288 kenyan lives to kill just 12 americans.
over 5,000 were wounded.
Lisa,
Good points.
Commie Chris,
How do you know if all Americans believe the "absurd lie" sentence quote from you below?
>>"If Americans want to go on believing the absurd lie that their foreign policy promotes freedom and democracy rather than oppression and violence, and are not prepared to look seriously in their own government's complicity in the cycle of violence, they should not expect widespread support in a one-sided, self-serving "war on terrorism"."<<
Are you blaming the victims of terrorism for their governments alleged "oppression and violence"? I view terrorist acts as someone coming in my home at night with ill intent, and would do all I could to prevent harm to my family. Wouldn't you? Well we know your not from the United States, but where would you be if terrorists struck Canada? Would you run and complain or would you support in thought at least? If Canada were to need support the United states would be there without a doubt.
Maybe you should try a little trip to Afghanistan.
HCM
the anti-cultists are narrow minded and uninformed to say the least.. you see a lot of this here.
it is mostly a cover for irrational hatred.
most religions organized in a way that they expected their members to take their beliefs seriously.
Prolog2,
When people die because a leader or group of leaders tells their followers a set of rules to follow just because they say so, one must question the motives of that organization. It's obvious to many here why that is so, how does one prove they are an exclusive communicant to any god? One must have faith? If so faith in what, what the leaders say are gods words? You must prove it to be so first.
And by the way some cults are already doing great damage to many, that is a fact! So what's your point?
HCM
a warning up front: this is a long post.. i'm posting this as a sincere question to those who have (more or less) moved on from the jw chapter of their lives and gone on to try to be, (dare i use the word,) 'normal'?.
everyone has had their 'awakenings' in the past six days, since all of those precious lives were snuffed out in senseless acts of violence.
priorities being refined.
Essie,
There are six million JW's out there, and any one of them at any time could use a hand to get out from under the mind control. This board and many on it help tremendously, you included.
That wonderment of when to let go and move on, but continuing on, may be motivated by that fact. So it is a positive act whether you see it that way or not, I see it that way every time I read a thought provoking post, or even a funny one and I am amused for a moment. Yes sadly, the WT will continue on trying to control as many people as possible in the name of the GB god. And even milk the terrorist events to keep existing members and recruit new ones. Only one who has been in the organization can know the hold they have on people and recognize the defensive brick walls the put up whenever one challenges their beliefs.
I've not been out that long, one year, after twenty seven years in, but was not raised a JW so I have some recollection of what it was like out there. If not for a few close friends still in and trying to slowly get out, I might be able to never look back. But the subject will always come up and if I can persuade someone how controlling and evil the WT can be I will.
HCM
i have read much discussion about understanding the fanatic muslim terrorists reason's for this attack.
even suggesting that they have a legitimate basis for their hatred of the united states.
even a call for more tolerance toward, this sect of hatred.. yet these same individuals make it very clear that they cannot tolerate jehovah's witnesses.
Dan,
>>"Why are we not, shouting from the roof tops the insanity of this religion? Why arn't we calling for the early demise, of the 'governing body' of this hideous religion? Are they above the same derision, we have for the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society?"
I ask you, whats the difference?"<<
Ahhh the way the wind blows?
HCM
when some one is df'd, they are held to be df'd.
in every congregation in the world.
a record is sent.
Metatron,
I agree with your idea and also agree with MadApostate. How so? I can see the connection from the top down within the WT and so can any one who has ever been associated with it. The question is can it be recognized in the courts with judges / juries to hold them accountable for any actions taken against them? Does the WT want numerous law suits with publicity hitting them constantly? No. So MadApostate do you discourage anyone from trying because of your concern for them or your concern for the WT?
HCM
a time of sadness and horror.
all the churches and synagogues in my area will stay open,.
offering prayers for all the victims.. will even a single kingdom hall join them?
Agreed!
i think that they are making all this stuff up.".
this is the breakfast conversation that i had with my five year old daughter this morning.. "oh, really?
" i said, trying not to choke on my coffee.. "mom, what if i get disfellowshipped someday?
Esmeralda,
This is guilt trip brainwashing tactics to the hilt! When you here the words of a five year old worried about not being able to talk to her family in the name of the WT god it is sickening.
>> "Well because dad said when you get disfellowshipped, that you're not doing stuff Jehovah's way and so your family can't talk to you anymore." <<
It's good she has you to counteract, and run interference.
HCM
