Posts by Diogenesister

35

'church elders are told to report any allegations of child sexual abuse to the authorities immediately'

by was a new boy in

'the spokesperson also said that church elders are told to report any allegations of child sexual abuse to the authorities immediately, even if there is only one complainant.'.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/rebekah-vardy-sexually-abused-child-jehovahs-witnesses/.

is this true?

Diogenesister

One thing I've noticed is the number of witnesses who have affairs seems to be higher than among the general population. I just don't know any worldly marriages that have ended because of affairs - yet I know not a few JW's whose marriages have and have heard about many more. One woman I know married three times and each time it ended because of affairs (I don't even include 'technical' affairs, admitted to so that couples can divorce, in these numbers).

I've heard it said it's because of the youth of JWs when they get married. Yet I've known groups who marry young too, such as in the large Indian community I grew up with. Again affairs seem rare. Perhaps it's because Witnesses have to admit to it that we get to hear about it?

35

'church elders are told to report any allegations of child sexual abuse to the authorities immediately'

by was a new boy in

'the spokesperson also said that church elders are told to report any allegations of child sexual abuse to the authorities immediately, even if there is only one complainant.'.

https://www.lbc.co.uk/news/rebekah-vardy-sexually-abused-child-jehovahs-witnesses/.

is this true?

Diogenesister

Guys can we get a letter to the independent or make some kind of statement (perhaps 20 or so ex elders will lend weight to it) and sign to the effect that as far as we know the two witness rule still applies?

We can also direct them to statements made by Gary Breaux and Toni Morris that the two witness rule will 'never change'.

46

Does the WTS have a clergy class (yes-no)

by blondie in

jw
friends

wt 2021 october p.20 "in contrast, true worshippers of jehovah have no clergy.

although we respect those who are taking the lead, we accept jesus’ clear teaching: “all of you are brothers.”".

ijbq article 92 point 6: in contrast, true worshippers of jehovah have no clergy.

Diogenesister

Menlo park was an absolute scandal.

I would also say that COs and to some extent missionaries are paid. Because much of it is "in kind" such as health insurance (where needed), car insurance and free accommodation (again where needed) doesn't mean it isn't income. Or at least the kind of income other clergy get.

Remember many clergy in 'Babylon' are given a minimal stipend and provided free accommodation etc. Some probably live on considerably less than COs with wealthy areas/congregations. My first husband's uncles were Catholic priests and according to my father in law, it very much depends where the Diocese is, as to how comfortably the priest lives. Like COs they too seem to benefit from generous congregants (or they did. Maybe things have changed). My husband's uncle collected antique silver as a hobby which apparently kept him comfortable later in life.

I think Watchtower elders have all the work without the benefits, the education and the societal respect.

25

All UK telephone landlines being phased out.....

by BoogerMan in

.....and replaced with voip by 2025. https://www.pmctelecom.co.uk/blog/are-landline-phones-being-phased-out-in-2025/.

just heard this on a radio station's advert..

Diogenesister

LHG , landlines are liked by small businesses and some seniors and others who want things simple or have physical limitations and can’t handle a smart phone

There's definitely a 'trust' element to small business having a landline number. Maybe I'm old fashioned.

25

All UK telephone landlines being phased out.....

by BoogerMan in

.....and replaced with voip by 2025. https://www.pmctelecom.co.uk/blog/are-landline-phones-being-phased-out-in-2025/.

just heard this on a radio station's advert..

Diogenesister

So yesterday my mobile stopped working properly. If someone called me I could hear them, but they couldn't hear me. Queue lots of frustration and the odd comedic moment.

However my vulnerable neighbour required my help with a drain flooding, herself being stuck in the house and lots of dirty water blocking her exit. Repairman called me as they had been given my contact details and of course couldn't hear me (naturally won't attend if they can't make contact with you). My landline makes an awful background noise - but I do have one thank goodness - and I had to use it. It wasn't a 999 kind of emergency, but it was very, very important and myself and more importantly my neighbour would have been rather stuffed without it. (Ok I know land lines can bugger up but they are less likely to do so. They also don't get lost or get nicked).

So what I'm saying is that I don't think we should be quite so fast to jettison landlines 🤔😬

50

To All Those Keen To Tell Us About Their Beliefs

by Simon in

we seem to have had an influx of religiots - the people who want to tell us all about how we / the wts / whoever are wrong, wrong, wrong about everything and how right they are.

they obviously have special insight, or voices (probably voices, right?

) telling them the real truth.. as proof, there is inevitably a wall of random scripture references and quotes.. sorry, but we're not here for that.

Diogenesister

Journeyman I always found this somewhat arrogant - to believe that you and your generation are the one that will see "the end", that your generation specifically will not have to see death (whether that be due to 'rapture' to heaven or transfer into an early paradise) despite all the billions before you who have gone to the grave.

That's the word... arrogance. I'm sure Christians don't have the monopoly on this sort of thing, but relating to them specifically (being the group Im familiar with) I would have thought Christ's injunction to show humility & patience, would at least give them pause....?!

Slim Isaac Newton, who was extremely into his Bible prophecy, apparently predicted the end for 2060, or, to put it more precisely, that 2060 was the latest date it could possibly be. If I recall correctly, this date was arrived at by adding 1260 day/years from Revelation to the coronation of Charlemagne in 800 AD.

Wow!! Fascinating. Well one thing about Issac Newton, no one can say he didn't break the mould! I certainly wouldn't be very willing to dismiss anything he said too lightly... 🤔😬

11530

It's been a long 9 years Lloyd Evans / John Cedars

by Newly Enlightened in

original reddit post (removed).

Diogenesister

Just to be fair and balanced, and I was surprised to learn this, Croatia follows the US in the date for mothers day.

I'm surprised, too. Maybe it wasn't originally a thing in Croatia?Lloyd, if you're reading I apologize and take it back.

It was mother's day - but you're still a lousy husband.

3

I'm worried about Peaceful Pete

by Phizzy in

jw
friends

does anyone know "pete" personally, or have a way of contacting him ?

he has not posted for about a month now.

i just want to know he is o.k..

Diogenesister

if you're reading this Pete I apologize if I upset you in any way that is the very last thing I want to do. My opinions are not worth loosing you over. Please please I won't ever bring up the subject again I promise. 😥

You know my feelings on it so if you bring up the subject in another thread I won't respond. Ok?

3

I'm worried about Peaceful Pete

by Phizzy in

jw
friends

does anyone know "pete" personally, or have a way of contacting him ?

he has not posted for about a month now.

i just want to know he is o.k..

Diogenesister

Me too.I was just thinking the same and went looking for him.... 👣🗣️🗣️👀📢🔍

. I think he's probably physically fine tbh. It's more likely he's left because of TERFy views like mine - others supporting me.,😔 I sent him a DM with some information from a gay man called Edi Jester who runs an organization called "Warrior Teachers". I only spoke kindly and with empathy.. I tried to explain my views don't come from a place of bigotry, but that women have genuine safeguarding concerns around males in specific female spaces and that it's our sexed bodies that make us vulnerable. Not some ethereal concept of 'gender' I also spoke about our bodies being who we are and that I don't believe in a sexed soul. I'm sure he feels ganged up on somewhat . Perhaps he feels our views are somehow a reproach on his nephew, whom he loves very much and is by all reports a lovely young person.

50

To All Those Keen To Tell Us About Their Beliefs

by Simon in

we seem to have had an influx of religiots - the people who want to tell us all about how we / the wts / whoever are wrong, wrong, wrong about everything and how right they are.

they obviously have special insight, or voices (probably voices, right?

) telling them the real truth.. as proof, there is inevitably a wall of random scripture references and quotes.. sorry, but we're not here for that.

Diogenesister

Uncle PunkyIt always amuses me how there is a propensity to see the 'end time' as relevant to our lifetime.

This^^^^

I've yet to find anyone start a religious group and claim to have insight that A, B or C is going to happen, which is super important because it will be the precursor to The End™ happening, but that it will occur at any other time but the one in which the author is living.