Posts by Franklin Massey

61

How Many on JWNet are still JWs?

by RayPublisher in

i've been wondering about this for some time.

if there are 60,000+ registered users on here, what percentage are actual non-dfed or non-daed witnesses?

if it was 1/3, that would be over 20,000 active/inactive witnesses that post and read these pages- and that's huge.

Franklin Massey

Not to derail the thread but something above made me scratch my head. iamwhoiam, you said, Sisters are now handling the microphones even though there are a sufficient amount of brothers. Without giving too much away as to your identity, can you expound on a region where this is being done? I'm from a small area that needs help in many of the congregations but the brothers have yet to approve the sisters for anything of this sort. The only thing being done in our area is having the sisters help out with behind the scenes stuff, like helping with territory records and supply orders.

And to be clear, I think the sisters should have equal opportunity in the congregation. The Organization is not set up that way, though.

61

How Many on JWNet are still JWs?

by RayPublisher in

i've been wondering about this for some time.

if there are 60,000+ registered users on here, what percentage are actual non-dfed or non-daed witnesses?

if it was 1/3, that would be over 20,000 active/inactive witnesses that post and read these pages- and that's huge.

Franklin Massey

Still in. Nonbelieving. Good standing. Fading.

19

My association with this organisation is coming to its end!

by TimothyT in

im posting from my boyfriend's house!

im having a week here with him to get away from things and to enjoy myself.

recently i came out to my entire family that im gay.

Franklin Massey

Hmmmm...

19

My association with this organisation is coming to its end!

by TimothyT in

im posting from my boyfriend's house!

im having a week here with him to get away from things and to enjoy myself.

recently i came out to my entire family that im gay.

Franklin Massey

You say in this post that your dad "is a little disillusioned with the whole religion" but is talking to an elder about things.

But in an earlier post http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/beliefs/213185/1/Things-are-heating-up-again you said your dad had made the decision to disassociate himself. You said he was done with meetings and field service and had "lost it!"

Maybe I'm not understanding this correctly but I feel like there is a big difference between being a little but disillusioned and reaching the point of disassociation. Did he change his mind or something?

82

Watching the Leadership Crumble

by Damn The Watchtower in

jw
friends

i watch the watchtower leaders crumble, slowly crumble.

one nonsensical move after the other.

you have no idea how this makes me feel.

Franklin Massey

DTW, you express yourself well. I believe there are many in the Organization who feel as you do. But pay attention to the posts on this thread. The comments reflect incredible diversity in thought. Many commenting here are still in one way or another associated with Jehovah's Witnesses. There are some agreements, some disagreements.

Yet, we're all here, in this virtual community, trying to express our views and learn to appreciate the views of others. We are having an open and honest dialogue.

That is something that is not - and has never been - permitted in the Watchtower Society. The leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses has always emphasized unified thought and behavior control. They branded it "Truth." But much of it changed. So it wasn't real truth.

What would happen if the Watchtower Society lightened the load on Jehovah's Witnesses and allowed for more personal choices to be made in matters involving behavior and spirituality? I think the religion known as "Jehovah's Witnesses" would evaporate. I think the current leadership knows this and has no other option but to continue tightening the grip.

I see why you wish for some sort of reform but I don't think it's going to happen. You represent a specific group of people within the Organization. I represent another. Cattails another. The list goes on. You have your ideals and are to be commended for your passion. But I don't think your personal vision for Jehovah's Witnesses will see the light of day in our lifetime.

That it, unless you branch out and start your own group;)

160

I'm new here..... Studying with the Witnesses

by PenelopePaige in

jw
friends

hi- i just wanted to say that i have been checking the website out for a few weeks and have read some horror stories and some sad ones.

but i have been studying with witnessess for about six months and can't help but feel that they're completely sincere and maybe even, the true religion.

i love the watchtower and awake and to me, none of that seems crazy.

Franklin Massey

Many JWs are very nice, sincere people. You should, however, do research about the beliefs and practices of JWs before you continue your study. JW Bible studies are designed to slowly indoctrinate non-believers into the JW way of thinking. This has been a good thing for some people - and a bad thing for others. As you continue, you'll get deeper and deeper into JW doctrine. Once the study book is finished, it is hoped that you will like enough of what you've heard (and changed your beliefs and habits to fit in with the JWs) to motivate you to become either a publisher (JW volunteer public minister) or get baptized (dedication of your life to the JW organization.)

If you agree with the rules and doctrine that JWs live by, maybe it is the religion for you. If you don't agree with JW rules and doctrine, then respectfully discountinue your bible study with them. If you choose the second option, don't worry, there are many ways for you to study the Bible independent of an organized religion.

10

Seeking Advice Please

by Eiben Scrood in

jw
friends

some background: i am an only child, a born-in, my parents were considered superstars of the watchtower having been missionaries and "exemplary" for their entire lives.

shortly after they died in 2002, i started a very slow fade and finally stopped all meeting attendance in 2005.. both sides of the family are, with a very few exceptions, also hardcore watchtowerites as in 'if the watchtower says my green bible is purple, then it must be purple.

' i have lost touch with one side of the family almost completely but the other side has always been close to me and in particular, i miss two cousins who were like brothers to me.

Franklin Massey

Would even mentioning that I won't talk about religion again raise their hackles? Probably.

Part of me thinks it might be better to just announce the coming birth and express my love for my family and nothing more. Good plan.

In addition to the comments from other posters about sharing exciting parts of your life with your family, you should also ask them to share with you. If you know of things they are interested in, ask them to tell you about them. If they have kids, find out how they are doing. You seem very sincere in your desire to create a real relationship with your family. Keep the dialogue positive and show them how much you love them. Avoid hot button issues. I hope it all works out for you.

27

Things are heating up again!

by TimothyT in

this evening my dad came into my room and told me that this week he is going to disassociate himself.

he is totaly fed up with the organisation.. recently a brother in our hall snitched on my brother and i for supposed wrongdoings (myself for being gay), and the elders have been badgering our family for a few weeks now.

we are all tired of it.

Franklin Massey

Timothy, I am happy for you. I am also happy for your Dad, as this will relieve him of some of the conflicts he has dealt with. I know you are excited and that your life is moving quickly in a direction that you feel good about. One piece of advice: If possible, don't be so caught up in your own momentum that you forget those that you may be able to help.

As your Dad disassociates and as you anticipate your own exit, remember that you are in a rare position to help those within the JW religion who may be doubting "The Truth," or, considering their own exit. The Society paints those who leave the Organization as willful sinners, Satanic and mentally disturbed. You and your Dad can show that this is not true. You are kind, loving, reasonable people who have weighed all the options and have come to a well thought out decision.

I know it may be tempting to have a "BRING IT ON!!!" attitude, considering the emotional rollercoaster ride you have been on. But give some thought to being as patient and humble as possible, even if it is difficult to do so. You never know who you might make a good impression on.

90

Best way to step down from being a servant

by RayPublisher in

hey i'm wondering if anyone can give some good advice on how to step down in the safest way.. i have served as an ms for a number of years, but can't do it anymore.

i know too much i want to fade in the future when i get some family things straightened out.

i can't move right now so that's out unfortunately.. what should i tell the body?

Franklin Massey

Charlie, you really should have read all the posts.

17

Signs From My Brother

by DarioKehl in

signs: (really amped up in the last year).

claims to "spend hours on the internet.".

recently became an ms after 3 yrs of reproof.. after a few months, stepped down and relocated.. expresses no interest in becoming ms again, calling me saying "count me in for paintball again.".

Franklin Massey

The advice to play it cool and not say too much is good.

IMO it's better to have JWs take "The Truth" lightly than to encourage them to have an anti-Watchtower attitude. Focus on the positive. Keep it light. Be patient until you know they are ready to fully let go and then just be there to catch them and comfort them.

The Society is always trying to tighten the reigns. JWs have two options: submit and obey, or make up their own minds. If a JW has a more laid back attitude, they'll be able to ignore or laugh off trivial counsel and crazy doctrine. This is a comfortable way for them to slowly slip from the tight grasp of the Society's leadership. They'll be in a better state to entertain more doubts and questions. They'll feel at ease forming their own opinions and testing their own ideas. This builds confidence in the self and lessens dependence on the Society. Slowly, their minds become more open.

On the other hand, if a negative tone is taken as to the Organization and it's teachings, a JW will instinctually feel guilty, uncomfortable and defensive. The mental blocks go up and they are more inclined to doubt themselves and run back to the presumed "safety" of the Society, which they equate with God. Any progress they made in opening their minds is reversed. They'll also remember who made them feel uncomfortable and either avoid you, or be less likely to discuss JW issues freely.