Posts by Franklin Massey

24

Oct. 15th WT - Who Should be your Friend to Associate & Recreate With ?

by flipper in

jw
friends

with many of us here on jwn in a fading state trying to stay halfway connected to jw relatives - i thought it would be informative and helpful to know what the wt society is telling jehovah's witnesses about who or who should not be their close friends.

so if you experience even more shunning than normal - this article may be influencing some jw's to do this.

you won't find any new information here- but the wt society is definitely trying to control who witnesses hang out with.. in the article " is your recreation beneficial " ?

Franklin Massey

I always had an awkward time making this type of WT counsel fit into the Bible study arrangement.

When I was conducting Bible studies, I tried to become the person's friend, albeit with limits that I imposed. Although I knew that the point of the study was to help someone become a JW, I never wanted to be too formal and make the study seem like some kind of indoctrination process with an agenda (yeah, I know better now). So I would allow the study to get off topic, maybe hang around a bit after the service visit and chat. A phone call or email here and there. I felt like I was being friendly enough without putting myself in some sort of risky situation. In other words, any interactions beyond the actual study had to be on my terms. Now I realize that it was not friendship; it was selfishness.

I had two studies that enjoyed the sessions and wanted to create real friendships outside of the hour that we spent together each week. One asked me to come over for pizza and movies. Another wanted me to join him and a group of his friends for coffee to just hang out and talk. I was torn. I liked these guys. But they weren't JW enough yet. I also worried that if the study stopped, they might (gasp) still want to be friends on a purely social level. That would be a definite no-no. So, I would make excuses and avoid any recreation time with them. Both studies eventually stopped. They were both smart guys and they probably saw the real truth behind the JW study process before I did.

What makes me feel the worst is that, because of counsel like that found in the article above, I missed out on the chance to have a couple of good friends. When people in the hall would ask why so-and-so wasn't studying anymore, I didn't know what to say. Often, the questioner would say, "Don't worry. You did your part. Jehovah draws those who are deserving." That always made me feel sick to my stomach. They stopped studying because I wasn't being a real friend. They probably thought something weird was going on. I don't blame them one bit. Then to say that maybe they didn't deserve "The Truth..."

I've never conducted another JW study since.

133

"Forged" by Bart Ehrman

by Dagney in

jw
friends

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062012614/ref=s9_simh_bw_p14_d0_g14_i1?pf_rd_m=atvpdkikx0der&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=0eppm5kwv5zydqhmh1ar&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1287771322&pf_rd_i=283155.

has anybody read this recent book by erhman?

wondering.. thank you..

Franklin Massey

I'm somewhere between Terry and PSac on my opinion of Bart Ehrman. When I read his work, I see the scholarly craft and attention to detail. As for the title FORGED, he and his publishing company have to sell books. The title grabs attention. It may be enough to cause someone to pick up the book and read the synopsis to see if it's for them.

When I see him speak I get a different impression. I've watched his lectures on YouTube and I don't like how he comes across. He lacks poise, polish and sophistication. He seems like a nerd that was bullied one too many times but now has the power of a microphone and a PhD. He tries too hard to make his point with "can you believe this stuff?!" gestures and facial expressions instead of letting the points make themselves. When he gets ready to set up and argument, it just feels cheap, even though he is usually right.

Just my opinion.

140

Why So Many Young People Are Leaving The Watchtower

by Jeremy C in

i have been giving a lot of thought to the young people who are leaving the watchtower organization in recent years.

last night, i was reading the thread posted by jwfacts a while back in which he provided some statistics and graphs showing the rapidly declining growth in the watchtower.

one factor that was discussed at length was the high number of young people who do not stay in the organization.

Franklin Massey

This is the kind of post that should be sent around to JWs. It hits so close to home for so many. These kind of observations are safe enough for JWs to hear without tripping the cult mindset. It can spark a flow of personal thoughts that are normally supressed.

It’s like a twisted game from the Middle Ages, where everyone is trying to make it to a finish line, or else get executed if they don’t

It's not LIKE that. It IS that. You described it perfectly.

21

Poisonous Congregations and Incompetent Leadership

by Nickolas in

i'm not sure where this topic belongs.

the adult & heated debate category, maybe, or jokes & humour.

guess we'll see.

Franklin Massey

It also has a lot to do with the follower. Some JWs feel that they need a strict environment. They feel that this keeps trouble at a minimum in the congregation, adding more chance of security. These types actually like when the Society and it's appointed men make decisions for them as it lessens the individual's chance of being wrong in God's (read: The WT Org's) eyes.

Then there are those who feel more comfortable in a laid back hall. They want freedom to move and room to breathe. These types are more liberal in their choices regarding "personal conscience matters" and don't want others weighing in on their life decisions.

In my hall, we have had people leave for both reasons. One pioneer couple left to head to a more liberal hall. They are doing very well in their new congregation. Another very spiritual, super zealous family left because they thought our hall was too laid back. They were always finding fault with the personal choices of their fellow members. Now they are in a hall with older elders and a stricter vibe. They also are doing well there.

The poison is often in the minds of the individuals.

But let me add that sometimes, there are halls that are truly toxic, even by the Society's standards. It has occurred that elder bodies can become corrupted to the point that the Society has to step in and try to fix the madness. Congregations are sometimes ordered by the Branch to spilt and reorganize in these situations. Some never fully recover, to the detriment of the followers.

50

sigh

by C.O.B.E.Beef in

jw
friends

this is my first time participating in a site like this , so please.

forgive me if my approach is clumsy.. my story is not extraordinary and hardly interesting, so thanks.

in advance to this forum for extending the bandwidth for my own.

Franklin Massey

Welcome.

Did you ever go back to school? Your post and reply were well written and I find the way you express yourself to be quite compelling. Perhaps picking up your secular education again (wherever you left off) would be an advantage to both you and your family.

I wish you the best and look forward to hearing more about your ongoing experience.

36

Are they going to keep lowering the bar to be appointed an MS or Elder???

by karter in

jw
friends

my mother told me of 2 young guys that have been appointed elders.. i could'nt belive it these guys have zero life experance and both their wifes walked out on them after a few years of marrage.. another one cooked his brain on drugs and his talks are painfull to listen to....all over the place and stumbles through them.. .

is it due to alot of young ones (60 to 70%) leaving and the pool to pick from is getting smaller so lowering the bar is the only way???

?.

Franklin Massey

Salvation by Report Card

Brilliant!

In my area, the standards are, indeed, lowering. Now, that's not to say that the standards were ever set at a correct level. What I can say is that brothers who, five years ago, were considered "A little too spiritually weak" to lead, or, "not quite the best example" in this area or that, are now serving as Ministerial Servants. Many of these are good men. Whether they make good MSs is another matter.

28

Are Jehovahs Witnesses a Cult?

by mankkeli in

jw
friends

this is an excerpt from the 1994 watchtower, february 15. in the entire article, the watchtower tries to debunk any claim of their cultism.

see how they go about it.. " would it be accurate to refer to jehovahs witnesses as a religious group with radical views and practices that clash with what is accepted as normal social behavior?

are jehovahs witnesses a cult?.

Franklin Massey

I followed the same thought process as blond-moment. Now I see that it was denial and wishful thinking.

If one is happy in the group, sees no issues with how the group operates and thinks it is the best possible group one could be a part of, then of course they aren't going to think they're in a cult.

The real test for me came when I began to adopt different beliefs and started to question previously-agreed upon doctrines. It freaks many a JW out when you say something like, "I'm not really sure we have (insert any JW teaching) figured out correctly." I had to stop seeking answers to my questions within the very group that promised to have the best possible answers to my questions.

If you are up for the experiment, try expressing your true feelings about a JW doctrine in a mixed group of JWs and you'll quickly see how high the level of control is.

49

Special Meetings with GB+ Scheduled for October in Patterson and Assembly Halls

by happyexjw in

apologies if this has already been discussed, but saw this on the fb jehovahs witnesses, new, library, history page and wondered if anyone knew anything about it or has any idea what it could be about.

date: august 17, 2011 5:38:59 pm cdt.

to: the librarian <[email protected]>.

Franklin Massey

Willy Wonka, as in, golden ticket, sneak peak, meet the men behind the magic, etc.

That letter seemed like it was intended to create buzz and demand for an event that very few will get to enjoy.

"We're pleased to announce a special privilege direct from Jehovah and Jesus' favorite future angels, The Governing Body! Were doing all these special meetings...(blah blah blah) and it's going to be SOOOOOO AWESOME! Aren't you exicted?! Wouldn't you love to attend?! Well, too bad, because only the cream of the organizational crop get a ticket to the Big Show. Better luck next time, suckers!"

Carrying on the Willy Wonka theme, Undercover Brother = Slugworth. New Light = the recipe for Everlasting Gobstoppers.

49

Special Meetings with GB+ Scheduled for October in Patterson and Assembly Halls

by happyexjw in

apologies if this has already been discussed, but saw this on the fb jehovahs witnesses, new, library, history page and wondered if anyone knew anything about it or has any idea what it could be about.

date: august 17, 2011 5:38:59 pm cdt.

to: the librarian <[email protected]>.

Franklin Massey

In the letter to congregations about this special arrangement, it mentioned that in addition to elders, their spouses and pioneers, some faithful older ones may receive invites as well. Tickets - yes, tickets - will be sent out and if any of the lucky chosen ones decide they cannot attend, they will have to give back their ticket so that someone else can attend.

This has a very Willy Wonka feel to it.

11

My wife...

by dontplaceliterature in

jw
friends

...made an interesting comment last night.. some of you may know that she is not into digging up dirt on the wtbts.

she realizes that there are some things wrong with the organization, but wishes to just ignore them for the sake of stability and preserving friendships.

there's obviously more to it, but in the interest of staying on topic:.

Franklin Massey

dpl, you have a PM