SNG -- Some people might be better off in high-control groups, but I think the numbers are few compared to the masses in groups like the Witnesses. I believe most on this forum think their life would be better today if their JW years were spent going to college, developing careers and normal relationships. Of course, there's no guarantee that so-called normal causes a state of well-being and contentment. Yet, the more resources we have usually means we're better able to cope in the day-to-day world. I don't believe most JWs benifit after it's all said and done by turning over their free-will to the jokers in Brooklyn. Most would do far better living life with normal expectations instead of seeing others as dead meat because they are not Jehovah's Witnesses. But, "some people. . ."
Posts by JAVA
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39Are some people REALLY better off in high-control groups?
by seattleniceguy inin holly's good-bye thread, quotes mentioned that he felt that some people were better off in high-control groups.
i've heard othes say similar things.. but i have a difficult time with this.
is it not true that high-control groups stiffle a person's emotional and intellectual development?
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39
Are some people REALLY better off in high-control groups?
by seattleniceguy inin holly's good-bye thread, quotes mentioned that he felt that some people were better off in high-control groups.
i've heard othes say similar things.. but i have a difficult time with this.
is it not true that high-control groups stiffle a person's emotional and intellectual development?
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JAVA
Many people in these cults feel better when they're in the group, but I don't think that, in a more objective sense, they're actually better off. How can they know, if they don't experience both worlds?
As usual, Alan offers some interesting points. If I "feel better" in a high-control group, I can say I'm better off, but someone else can also say, "no you're not." Who's right?
To a large extent it depends on who's answering, because life is not always objective. Ideally, if all are on the same playing field (e.g., same eduction, income, life experiences) we could be more objective about actually being better off in high-control groups. But there's the rub, we're all a little to a lot different. I think it's possible to say "some people are better off in high-control groups" because we're talking about "some people."
Objectively, "some people" are better off in jail (a high-control group) because they can do less harm to themselves and others. Indeed, there are some Watchtower leaders I would like to help reach this potential.
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12
Will Adam be forgiven?
by MAHABA in.
according to the watchtower theology, adam will never experiment resurrection for eternal life.. yet, among the early church father's, irenaus of lyon believed that adam would experiment resurrection and forgiveness for his desobedience, on account of the fact that, although created perfect, he has almost no experience at all we being put to the test by the devil.. what is your opinion on that matter?
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JAVA
Assuming the story of Adam and Eve is real,
I believe the Adam and Eve Story is just that, a story. Sure, we all came from somewhere, but the evidence points to gradual beginnings, and not a magic puff of whatever, and there was Adam looking for a mate. If there is a Being that started the process called life, I'm fairly sure He/She/It wonders why humans are willing to believe fairytales written long ago as fact today.
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27
why dont KH have windows?
by Buck inis this to save money?
thats the only reason i can think of.
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JAVA
It's to keep the "new light" in so it won't mix with the outside-old light. Also, the sun's ulteraviolet rays could harm the "new light," so Jehovah has commanded that all new KH have no windows. God speaks to me; that's how I know this is the correct and only answer.
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Why Mar 24 for Memorial?
by Will Power inapril 24 (sundown 4/23) to april 30/may 1, 2005 (5765):
, or pesach in hebrew, the holiday commemorating the hebrews' exodus from slavery in egypt, lasts seven days in israel and among reform jews, and eight days elsewhere around the world.
since hebrew days begin and end at sundown, passover begins at sundown on the preceding day.
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JAVA
Is their Nisan 14 expert GB member from 1977 still alive?
I think he died at Armageddon on October 31, 1975.
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37
Yankee or Dixie? (fluff)
by hemp lover ini love these stupid online quiz thingies.
(i'm 74% dixie, in case you're wondering.).
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/lgrob/southern_dialect_quiz.htm
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JAVA
"52% (Dixie). Barely into the Dixie category." Still riding the fence. . .
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JAVA
Reading material about the WT that's not printed by the WT would cause JWs to leave. As confusedjw pointed out, they got it right about the Internet, too. Hey, the WT must have a direct link to Jehovah after all--they got two out of 1000 correct!
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24
Another JW divorce!
by Goldminer in.
my wife just got word that another couple in the local congregation will be divorcing.this will be the third one within 2 years,all couples in their 20's-30's,just like us here.. anyways,he committed adultery,got a std and she threw him out;the children are devastated.he was known for flirting with any attractive woman,married or not,christian or not.. what upsets me is that these people all went to the hall acting like righteous christians and pre-meditating their family-breaking adultery.meanwhile,i'm treated like shit because i don't attend all meetings here,they must have a wager on my wife and i.like i told the wife before<i'm not going anywhere and i value my family.
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JAVA
About half of all marriages end in divorce, and a good number have multiple divorces. It's no surprise JWs fall into the norm. As some already suggested, JWs have a small group to pick from for mates, and their altered view of the world might not help either. It's nearly impossible to know if the divorce rate within the sect is higher than the norm because the WT doesn't track important information about their followers. Anyway, they wouldn't share it if they did.
Divorce within the ranks could be more difficult to deal with because professional counseling is not encouraged. Even when professional counseling is engaged, many Witness may not be totally honest because it might make the religion look bad. Just another benefit of being in "the Truth."
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27
God is insane
by onacruse in.
i apologize...i'm just so [edit][edit][edit][edit][edit] angry at "god" right now that i can't put it into words.. craig
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JAVA
I'm not sure how something that doesn't exist can be "insane." I mostly respect the theme Jesus spread as reported in scripture, but do not buy the hocus-pocus about being the "son of God" etc. I consider that "insane."
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38
What Have You Learned From This Site?
by minimus ini see that some people feel that jwd is a godsend.
they've learned so much in so short of time.....have you been helped by this site and other similar ones here on the internet?
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JAVA
I've been out of the Tower for nearly 20 years (where does the time go), and linked up with some of the groups when the Internet was new. I see a few of the old timers on this wonderful site. I keep up with what's going on in the Tower, and pleased this site helps exiting JWs know "the Truth" about the Tower, and their shared experiences.