paul from cleveland

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Posts by paul from cleveland

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  79

  What's a word that describes the way Witnesses behave as a group?

  by paul from cleveland in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i can't recall the word that describes a group that keeps to itself like the witnesses do.

  i thought it was "insular" but i don't think that's the one i'm looking for after reading the definition.

  i remember an elder using the word "clannish" and that has the proper definition but it reminds me of a group of elves.

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  paul from cleveland

  I think both "insular" and "isolationist" are good but I went with "insular" because it seems more impartial to me.
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  79

  What's a word that describes the way Witnesses behave as a group?

  by paul from cleveland in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i can't recall the word that describes a group that keeps to itself like the witnesses do.

  i thought it was "insular" but i don't think that's the one i'm looking for after reading the definition.

  i remember an elder using the word "clannish" and that has the proper definition but it reminds me of a group of elves.

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  2. 
  3. 
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  paul from cleveland

  Thanks Tal! That must have been the word I was thinking of initially. When I read the definition again, though, it had more of a negative connotation than I recall. Regardless, it probably fits the best in this context.
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  79

  What's a word that describes the way Witnesses behave as a group?

  by paul from cleveland in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i can't recall the word that describes a group that keeps to itself like the witnesses do.

  i thought it was "insular" but i don't think that's the one i'm looking for after reading the definition.

  i remember an elder using the word "clannish" and that has the proper definition but it reminds me of a group of elves.

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  2. 
  3. 
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  paul from cleveland

  Thank you everyone for your ideas. David_Jay, yes I'm looking for that word that describes the "separatism" they practice so the dehumanizing consequences of "disfellowshipping" have some context to an outsider. Tal, "isolationism" sounds good but the more I think about it perhaps I should use more words to explain what's happening. Joe, perhaps "reclusive"...

  I'm looking to explain how important my spouse is to me especially in light of the fact that my social network was severed when I left the Jehovah's Witnesses. This is the sentence so far: (any suggested improvements welcome, and thank you!)

  Since Jehovah's Witnesses strongly discourage social contact with outsiders shunning has a more detrimental effect on individuals than may be realized by those not familiar with their practices. The [insular/clannish/isolationist/reclusive] nature of the group amplifies the significance of relationships formed after excommunication as these form the basis of an entirely new social network.
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  79

  What's a word that describes the way Witnesses behave as a group?

  by paul from cleveland in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i can't recall the word that describes a group that keeps to itself like the witnesses do.

  i thought it was "insular" but i don't think that's the one i'm looking for after reading the definition.

  i remember an elder using the word "clannish" and that has the proper definition but it reminds me of a group of elves.

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  2. 
  3. 
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  paul from cleveland

  VI, "tribalistic" is similar to "clannish". A good word but not the right connotation (to me anyway).
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  79

  What's a word that describes the way Witnesses behave as a group?

  by paul from cleveland in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i can't recall the word that describes a group that keeps to itself like the witnesses do.

  i thought it was "insular" but i don't think that's the one i'm looking for after reading the definition.

  i remember an elder using the word "clannish" and that has the proper definition but it reminds me of a group of elves.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  paul from cleveland

  David_Jay, does "ideological" convey the idea of a group keeps to itself? This is mainly in reference to social relationships.
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  79

  What's a word that describes the way Witnesses behave as a group?

  by paul from cleveland in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i can't recall the word that describes a group that keeps to itself like the witnesses do.

  i thought it was "insular" but i don't think that's the one i'm looking for after reading the definition.

  i remember an elder using the word "clannish" and that has the proper definition but it reminds me of a group of elves.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  paul from cleveland

  Maybe insular is the word. I'm looking for a neutral word that doesn't necessarily connote negativity.
• 
  79

  What's a word that describes the way Witnesses behave as a group?

  by paul from cleveland in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i can't recall the word that describes a group that keeps to itself like the witnesses do.

  i thought it was "insular" but i don't think that's the one i'm looking for after reading the definition.

  i remember an elder using the word "clannish" and that has the proper definition but it reminds me of a group of elves.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  paul from cleveland

  I can't recall the word that describes a group that keeps to itself like the Witnesses do. I thought it was "insular" but I don't think that's the one I'm looking for after reading the definition. I remember an elder using the word "clannish" and that has the proper definition but it reminds me of a group of elves. What's another word? It's for a legal paper. Thank you!
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  40

  Prince's recent passport pik!

  by fulltimestudent in

  1. social
  2. current

  well, that's the claim.

  is this sexy, or isn't it?

  are male witnesses now allowed to wear eye liner?.

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  paul from cleveland

  ugh, I can't stand the Witnesses double standards. Anyone else dressed and acted like that and they'd be shunned.
• 
  36

  A JW experience

  by Saintbertholdt in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  this is a quick experience i have recently had and i have two questions at the end.. a couple of weeks ago, the dogs were barking at the gate on saturday morning and wouldn't you know it, it was some witnesses.

  there was a father with his lovely wife and their young daughter.

  the father did all the talking as mother and daughter just dutifully smiled and watched.

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  paul from cleveland

  I've had two elders calling on my recently. By chance they caught me at home which is rare. I haven't really spoken to any Witnesses regarding doctrine for about 20 years so I was just curious as to what they had to say. I was surprised by the lack of understanding of some of their key doctrines. For instance, the blood issue. I asked why they won't accept blood transfusions and they insisted the reason was because it was unsafe. At first I thought they were giving me one of the benefits of avoiding blood transfusions and not the actual scriptural reason but no. We went round and round and they absolutely insisted that the reason the bible prohibits blood transfusions is because they're unsafe and we might contract a disease. So I asked then if it would be okay to make blood soup. Cooking the blood would surely make it safe to eat. The answer: No. I asked why and they said "no, blood soup is not good". Then they basically said "We don't take blood because God said so and that's good enough".
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  30

  Do you think JWN members would be surprised if they got to know you in real life?

  by nicolaou in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i don't think you'd recognise me much at all.

  i'm a royal mail postman, i love my job for the early starts and midday finish, the outdoors and the exercise.. i get on with people but i'm quite insular and don't enjoy crowds.

  i'm happiest when i've fired up the charcoal and i'm making souvlaki or adana kebabs for my family and a few close friends.

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  paul from cleveland

  Nic, thanks for sharing a little bit more about yourself. I have a perception of you from the things you write and choose to comment on. I notice that you have an analytical mind and are knowledgeable on many topics but never use that to make other feel inferior. You usually interpret ambiguous comments by others in a positive way. You look for the good in others or try to understand their motivations if you can't. Most of all, I notice you're empathetic to the suffering of others. When people post their painful experiences you're one of the first with some encouraging words. Of course I had no idea of your profession but I, perhaps incorrectly, assume most everyone here dislikes crowds and face to face confrontation.