I think some of the points made in the OP were quite accurate. Often, I would end up talking to this particular Sister in our hall and I would come away from her feeling like a grey cloud was following me. I would however say that happiness depends on each individual whether in or out of Watchtower. Yes, there are the doom and gloom witnesses that thrive on every bad thing that happens in this world; and yes the general R & F who tow the WT line and frown on those who leave. In fact I heard a few stories about some who left and usually it was only the negatives things that had come upon them that were ever mentioned. It's like, the witnesses have to reassure themselves that being in the truth is worth it. I joined WT believing my spiritual needs were being met. I was happy until I realised that instead of a faith group helping me to meet my spiritual needs, I was part of an Organisation controlling my life. I am now taking control of my life and treat every individual as they come, whether inside or outside WT. So for me personally, I don't get a feeling of disappointment at seeing an ex witness living a fulfilled life; but can understand why some witnesses would have that look of disappointment.
Truthexplorer
JoinedPosts by Truthexplorer
-
32
The disappointed look on a Jehovah's Witness face - that you're living a good and fulfilling life
by jambon1 inanother thread got me thinking of this issue.
i don't think you'll ever come across a set of people with such a skewed and twisted outlook on life.. my memory serves me well when i recall a sort of blood lusting excitement over things like the 9/11 atrocities.
in fact i remember jw's describing the event as 'sad but exciting.
-
-
-
26
Living as Christians at the C.L.A.M this week
by Truthexplorer inthis weeks meeting under the section - living as 'christians', starts off with 'repentance makes a difference', which is a talk given by an elder taken from w06 11/15 27-28 par 7-9. in a nut shell it discusses those who have been disfellowshipped and then show repentance.
it then goes on to discuss reinstatement and how a certain amount of time must pass by before this can take place.
it makes the following point in the paragraph.. 'a disfellowshipped person is not automatically accepted back into the congregation after a certain amount of time has passed.
-
-
Truthexplorer
Fisherman- you say I subscribed to wt rules around repentence at baptism. Having bought into wt and baptised in under a year. I had absolutely no ideas about many of watchtowers rules, particularly the whole shunning policy and all that entails. It was only after a few years later I learned such things and about a decade later about the secret elder book with all its rules. In fact, I didnt find out until 12 years later after my baptism that Jesus wasnt my mediator. I only discovered that when reading tge book 'Crisis of Conscience' by an ex GB member. -
26
Living as Christians at the C.L.A.M this week
by Truthexplorer inthis weeks meeting under the section - living as 'christians', starts off with 'repentance makes a difference', which is a talk given by an elder taken from w06 11/15 27-28 par 7-9. in a nut shell it discusses those who have been disfellowshipped and then show repentance.
it then goes on to discuss reinstatement and how a certain amount of time must pass by before this can take place.
it makes the following point in the paragraph.. 'a disfellowshipped person is not automatically accepted back into the congregation after a certain amount of time has passed.
-
-
Truthexplorer
It means going to the meetings for 6 months or more and to stop what you were doing that got you df. -But the elders look for evidence of God's Holy Spirit
Fisherman- I get the whole idea about repentance and works befitting repentance, and obviously keeping the Congregation clean; but what I don't get is why an individual continues to be shunned having sincerely expressed their heartfelt desire to return to God?
1 Cor 5:11 says - But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. NIV
Obviously, if it came to light that the returned individual was STILL PRACTICING the above, then the Christians are not associate with the individual in line with scripture.
But the person who earnestly wishes to return to Jehovah and has changed their life around to do so; why not welcome such a one back with open arms and a warm Christian welcome, instead of a cold watchtower shoulder!, yet obviously not allow that person reinstatement or privileges for a period of time until they have proven to everyone works that befit repentance. That would be more loving and appropriate at the same time. Why the need for complete shunning?? That is out of line with the story Jesus told about the prodigal son!
-
26
Living as Christians at the C.L.A.M this week
by Truthexplorer inthis weeks meeting under the section - living as 'christians', starts off with 'repentance makes a difference', which is a talk given by an elder taken from w06 11/15 27-28 par 7-9. in a nut shell it discusses those who have been disfellowshipped and then show repentance.
it then goes on to discuss reinstatement and how a certain amount of time must pass by before this can take place.
it makes the following point in the paragraph.. 'a disfellowshipped person is not automatically accepted back into the congregation after a certain amount of time has passed.
-
-
Truthexplorer
I was never disfellowshipped, but did experience a public reproof ( which I now know should have been a private reproof). Having moved halls, I recall having to attend all the meetings including the book study in a state of reproof. The book study was an embarrassing experience. I was not allowed to answer. I experienced 6 months of this AND had attended 'EVERY' meeting in that time. I finally went up to an elder, who pardon the pun, was elderly and whom I thought would show a little empathy and understanding given his experience AND wisdom; someone I thought was approachable. I asked if it was now possible to answer up at the meetings at this point given that I had been attending every meeting for several months. His wonderful spiritually grounded answer was and I kid you not. 'heh...heh...heh... naw...naw...naw....naw..naw' whilst smiling to himself and shaking his head. That wonderful, spiritual, loving, edifying Christian response to my sincere question caused me to stay away from the meetings for another 3 whole years. It is no wonder so many disfellowshipped individuals refuse to go back, knowing the gauntlet they have to go through to be reinstated. It's must be an absolute nightmare for such ones. -
26
Living as Christians at the C.L.A.M this week
by Truthexplorer inthis weeks meeting under the section - living as 'christians', starts off with 'repentance makes a difference', which is a talk given by an elder taken from w06 11/15 27-28 par 7-9. in a nut shell it discusses those who have been disfellowshipped and then show repentance.
it then goes on to discuss reinstatement and how a certain amount of time must pass by before this can take place.
it makes the following point in the paragraph.. 'a disfellowshipped person is not automatically accepted back into the congregation after a certain amount of time has passed.
-
-
Truthexplorer
This weeks meeting under the section - Living as 'CHRISTIANS', starts off with 'Repentance Makes a difference', which is a talk given by an elder taken from w06 11/15 27-28 par 7-9
In a nut shell it discusses those who have been disfellowshipped and then show repentance. It then goes on to discuss reinstatement and how a certain amount of time must pass by before this can take place. It makes the following point in the paragraph.
'A disfellowshipped person is not automatically accepted back into the Congregation after a certain amount of time has passed. Before he can be reinstated, his heart condition must undergo a great change. He must come to realize the gravity of his sin and the reproach he brought upon Jehovah and the Congregation. The sinner must repent, pray earnestly for forgiveness, and conform to Gods righteous requirements. When requesting reinstatement, he should be able to give evidence that he has repented and is producing 'works that befit repentance'
So effectively , lets just say for argument sake a person is genuinely repentant (similar to the prodigal son) and his or her heart desire is to genuinely 'return back' to God. He or she cries their eyes out before the elders, telling them they are truly sorry for their wrong doing and genuinely wants to do right in Gods eyes again. The following happens:
Well firstly, there aint no preparing the fattened calf or joyful party for the returned prodigal son or daughter...Nope! Instead they receive a welcome back Watchtower style; which is that the person MUST sit at the back of the hall and be shunned for most, if not more than a year by the entire congregation. No one can speak to them; they cant speak to anyone (such Christian love and encouragement!). They will continue to be shunned until the BOE come to a decision that the person 'is truly' repentant.
It isn't good enough for such a person simply to have no privileges in the hall, which would be fairer and perhaps more more fitting...nope!; Watchtower goes further than that. The individual will be treated to what amounts to being a proverbial leper for a period of time and then all being well can then and only then, be reinstated back into the Congregation where they can experience the prodigal son style welcome!
Right after the elder gives this 'loving' talk, the next item is a discussion on the topic 'Forgive Freely?
OH.. THE IRONY
-
9
Escape From Paradise - One year anniversary - Thanks everyone!
by Brock Talon intoday marks the 1 year anniversary of the release of my second book, "escape from paradise".
i wanted to take the time to thank everyone here who was supportive of this book and for all the great feedback i received on it.
you guys rock.. of course, not all the feedback was pleasant.
-
-
Truthexplorer
Hey Brock, I enjoyed both your books. Escape from paradise gave a good insight into daily life at bethel. TE -
76
What is your relationship with ALCOHOL?
by nicolaou inhere in the uk new drinking guidelines have been issued which suggest "no more than 14 units a week - equivalent to six pints of beer or seven glasses of wine.".
another piece of the advice which is getting a lot of attention is that "if people drink, it should be moderately over three or more days and that some days should be alcohol-free.".
already people are making cries of "nanny state!
-
-
Truthexplorer
My relationship with alcohol is very good
-
13
Can you guys help me? I need to find all the recent articles on the WT's most recent stance on education and carreers
by macys ini am at work talking to a current jdub and i am making progress (i think) with her and right now the theme is education.
she says that the wt no longer looks down on education and is claiming that the wt no longer says we are close to the end!
tia!
-
-
Truthexplorer
Couldn't believe it when it was referred to at the CLAM. Talk about making people feel guilty over something that is perfectly normal! -
78
Half of the cong was dancing last night
by StarTrekAngel inso went to the meeting last night.
i had not been to one since before the holiday break (3 weeks ago).
besides, it was our first meeting in the new format.
-
-
Truthexplorer
I think they should just throw all cares to the wind and make song 146 Boney M's 'By the rivers of Babylon'
-
14
My door intercom......
by stan livedeath ina few minutes ago...my door intercom went...i picked up the phone...wasn't expecting anyone.. young child's voice... "were just here with this watchtower why be honest".
no thanks...byee.. what sort of message is this sending out ?
?.
-
-
Truthexplorer
hey-that might very well have been us this morning lol