Posts by Quendi

81

New simplified Watchtower

by alanv in

beginning with the july 15th 2011 edition of the watchtower, the society are producing a simplified version of the study copy.. this is apparantly for the many people whose first language is not english, and yet they live in a predominantly englsih speaking county.. the normal study edition will still be produced but it looks like the cong.

will be able to ask for a supply of the simplified version each month.. this simplified version can be downloaded from the watchtower site.. http://www.jw.org/index.html.

Quendi

So the organization has never disappointed its rank-and-file members, eh? Does 1975 mean nothing to these liars, or are they counting on the fact that since the majority of present-day Witnesses became involved with the religion long after that year that the rest of us have forgotten all about it and/or that they can rely on the ignorance of contemporary Witnesses? And as for the "pure waters of truth", I suppose the vacillations and reversals on the meaning of the word "generation" don't matter as well. Perhaps it shouldn't since that wasn't water they were dispensing but kool-aid. May Jehovah look upon them and judge!

Quendi

11

Memorial

by sspo in

i live in a gated mobile home park in california where no one is allowed to solicit door to door and today.

i received a full page,handwritten invitation to the memorial, with the official tract printed by the watchtower.. it's a great way to get many hours of service just by staying in the comfort of your home but i'm wondering who's paying for postage, .

.44cents per household...that could get pretty expensive since just in our park alone there are close to 700 homes!!!.

Quendi

Like OTWO says, it is legitimized by 'letting the holy spirit guide the writing'. In this way they are emulating the New Testament writers who penned letters to the different congregations and individuals. Not that these letters are divinely inspired, mind you, but that this is a legitimate way to witness to others. That's the way it was explained to me when I pioneered. I did some letter writing back in those days, but I always believed that door-to-door work and face-to-face contact was the best way to get the message across. But then, I was one of those weird people who actually enjoyed field service and I was quite good at it to boot. I met many interesting people in the territory and had quite a few stimulating conversations. Our territory in Boulder, Colorado was unusual in many ways and that may account for my experiences.

I was talking to my Witness buddy on Wednesday evening and he told me that the thirty-hour auxiliary pioneer arrangement has received a lot of support. There is more talk that it should be made permanent and he tells me that many Witnesses he has talked to say they would take it up if the Society moves in that direction. I have a feeling this was the plan all along and that this month was a trial balloon to see how the rank-and-file would react to it. With world gasoline prices skyrocketing (nearly $4/gallon in the U.S. and almost $10/gallon in the U.K.), I would think the economic hit that pioneers are taking is severe. Adjusting the hours requirement for auxiliary pioneers, and later possibly for regular pioneers, would keep many in the ranks.

Quendi

4

"Overlapping generations" and silent movies

by sir82 in

jw
friends

i'm a big fan of tcm, the cable channel that shows old movies without commercial interruption.. last night they showed "the birth of a nation", the famous (infamous?

) dw griffith silent classic that defends the ku klux klan.. the movie was made in 1915 - 96 years ago.. as i was watching it, it occurred to me, "all these actors are now dead.

most have been dead for 50, 60, 70 or more years.

Quendi

In 1976 I attended a screening of The Photo-Drama of Creation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It was interesting to watch from a historical perspective. There was a short talk given before the show in which the speaker made a curious but interesting remark. He said that practically all the actors and actresses whom the audience would see in the film were dead. After all, more than sixty years had passed since its premiere back in 1912, and he used that fact to state how close Armageddon must actually be since the 1914 generation had mostly passed away. This screening took place early in 1976 and the disappointment of 1975 was still keenly felt by many. So his remark had the effect of stirring the embers for some. Another curious thing he mentioned was that the names of those who took part in the film had largely been forgotten. Some were members of the headquarters family at that time, others apparently were not even Bible Students but had talents that C.T. Russell felt would be useful.

I wonder if the Society shows The Photo-Drama anymore. It was produced in the years when Russell and his followers were certain that Armageddon would come in 1914 and the Bible Students were working feverishly to get their message out. Screening it today might raise more embarrassing questions about 1914 and the "generation" than the Society wants to answer. Perhaps the film has been quietly mothballed, with as little mention of it being made as possible because in some ways it is another embarrassing reminder of the false prophecies the WTS has made.

Quendi

41

April "Pioneers" - a large army

by dozy in

anecdotally , from my ( rapidly diminishing number of ) jw contacts , it does seem that the april 30 hour pioneer campaign is going well.

some congregations have over 1/2 the publishers on the pioneer list for april , including all the elders & ms. .

Quendi

I really liked Sir82's analysis of the auxiliary pioneering campaign this month. It hits the nail right on the head. I think his projection of future numbers is spot on as well. For what it's worth, the first full moon of spring in 2012 will fall on Friday, 6 April. I don't know if that will be the exact date of the Memorial because of the hocus-pocus way the Governing Body has of determining their date, but if not that date it should fall within a day either side of it.

My Witness friend in Southern California is part of the "large army". He tells me that he is enjoying it especially since the thirty-hour goal is something he can reach. Many others in his congregation are also participating, but he didn't give me any figures. The novelty of the thirty-hour requirement has generated much excitement as other posters have noted. If the numbers are good, I agree that we'll see this campaign revived next year, especially with the Memorial falling as early as it will. But I have to wonder how many will eventually tire of this charade.

Quendi

81

How Many JWs Have You known Who Have Commited Suicide?

by Was New Boy in

jw
friends

james olsen and richaed wheellock both bethelites.. rich templet.

rich and james out of guilt, richard out of depression.. james and rich were both under 30 years old.. after richard wheelock (a bethel heavy) killed himself the society changed it's stand on whether suicides could be resurrectioned or not..

Quendi

I want to add an epilogue to my story. After my boss talked me out of making my own suicide attempt, she did something else. She got me into therapy. My therapist was a wonderful woman who worked with me for a couple of years. Slowly, gradually, she got me to see that I could make choices about my life. That eventually meant jettisoning aspects of Witness thinking and philosophy that were poisoning me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

All of this transpired years before my disfellowshipping and eventual decision to never return to the organization. But looking back on it I can see how it laid the foundation for my departure. My therapist never directly criticized the WTS or the religion it has promoted. However, she did get me to realize that I had to challenge the rosy view it presented on the religion's power to solve deep-seated problems. Just as importantly, I discerned that one of the greatest weaknesses the WTS religion has is that it does not provide a real support system for its members.

When we are afraid to talk openly of our doubts, pains, fears, and burdens, then that should be a red flag warning that we are putting ourselves in danger. The WTS actively discourages this, telling its adherents they should instead confess their "sins" to the elders, wait on them to grant some kind of absolution, and then fill their lives with "theocratic activity and prayer" to sort things out. So they advocate using band-aids when real surgery is needed. Is it any wonder, then, that Witnesses suffer so much mental and emotional anguish, or that many choose suicide?

Quendi

81

How Many JWs Have You known Who Have Commited Suicide?

by Was New Boy in

jw
friends

james olsen and richaed wheellock both bethelites.. rich templet.

rich and james out of guilt, richard out of depression.. james and rich were both under 30 years old.. after richard wheelock (a bethel heavy) killed himself the society changed it's stand on whether suicides could be resurrectioned or not..

Quendi

Thank you, unshackled, for your kind words. Even though Tom's loss still hurts, I am a better man for knowing and loving him. Our friendship has benefited everyone else whom I have met and loved since then. That is the best way I can think of to honor his memory. My very best wishes for you and yours.

Quendi

81

How Many JWs Have You known Who Have Commited Suicide?

by Was New Boy in

jw
friends

james olsen and richaed wheellock both bethelites.. rich templet.

rich and james out of guilt, richard out of depression.. james and rich were both under 30 years old.. after richard wheelock (a bethel heavy) killed himself the society changed it's stand on whether suicides could be resurrectioned or not..

Quendi

This is a very sad thread to read for me personally, and I know it has been for others. Perhaps there is a cartharsis that comes from sharing these stories and experiences. I hope that is so for all who have suffered losses this way and also for those who have been driven to the brink of suicide.

My story about this happened this way. My very best friend, whom I loved more than anybody I ever have, killed himself 25 years ago. He left behind a wife and two young sons. Tom suffered from bipolar disorder, so his life as a Witness wasn't the happiest. Few people understood him or knew how to deal with him. Our friendship was very close and I got to know him better than anyone, including his poor wife. He had once been a ministerial servant, but that didn't work out well and he was subsequently deleted. He finally ended his life by blowing his head off with a 44 Magnum. Tom was only 32 years old.

I've never fully recovered. A year or so after Tom's death, I decided to end my own life. Fortunately, I was talked out of it by my boss, a woman who said what I needed to hear most. "Please don't kill yourself. I love you. Don't hurt me this way." Those words made me think of Tom's funeral and the intense pain I witnessed on the faces of others that day. I realized how selfish it would be on my part to put my friends and family through that.

I am no longer suicidal and have discovered the truth of Solomon's words at Ecclesiastes 9:4, "For as respects whoever is joined to all the living there exists confidence, because a live dog is better off than a dead lion." I am glad to be alive and have much to live for, especially now that I have put the WTS out of my life. Nevertheless, I miss my best friend and I always will. At least he is no longer suffering and is at rest, and for that I am grateful.

Quendi

32

Just had my first JW visit in almost 13 years. . . weirder than I could have thought.

by Ilovebirthdays in

jw
friends

i have an old friend from jw's that has been trying to track me down.

she finally found me today.

of course to invite me to memorial.

Quendi

An old Turkish proverb says, "The road to the heart is through the ear." You followed that wise advice in listening, really listening, to your friend. As others have said, that was the unconditional love she needed most at that time. I am glad that you followed through with the exchange of phone numbers and I hope you will remain in contact if that is her choice.

I ran into a friend who has also left the organization a couple of weeks ago in a supermarket. Like you, I listened more than I talked. Upon parting I gave him a business card with my phone number and e-mail address so that he could reach out to me when and if he wanted to. I haven't heard from him yet, but I know I have done as much as I could under the circumstances. You have done the same. Keep up the good work!

Quendi

34

Is there a new "full court press" to bring back "lost ones"?

by tenyearsafter in

i ask the question because all of a sudden i am getting bombarded by my mother and other family members to "take my wife's hand and run back to jehovah before it is too late"!!

i am getting e-mail with screen shots of the un website (http://www.un.org/en/peace) stating "peace and security", being told that this could likely be the last memorial celebrated and that the door to the ark will be closing soon.

has anyone else been seeing an up-tick in these "prodigal son" appeals from jw friends and family?

Quendi

One of my close friends who is a JW has been employing the "full court press" with me to persuade me to get reinstated. I've been disfellowshipped for more than five years and told him a year ago that I would cease any and all efforts to return. But it has only been in the last three months or so that he began urging me to return to meetings and particularly to attend next Sunday's Memorial "celebration". He has cited the urgency of our times and how the organization is making an effort to get "lost ones" to return. I am very touched by his love and concern, but my resolve to stay the hell away is firmer than ever.

This friend lives in Southern California and I live in Northern Colorado. I mention this because while my friend has made every effort to get me back to meetings from long distance, the local elders and Witnesses don't give a damn. I have not received one phone call or visit. I have not been asked if I want to attend the Memorial or if I need transportation to the Hall for the "celebration". There has been no communication since I last spoke to the elders in June 2010. I have received only one of the annual visits the disfellowshipped, disassociated, and the "faded" are supposed to get. So it is clear to me that there is no real concern on the part of the WTS about recovering lost or lapsed Witnesses.

Had they found me in the door-to-door work, I have a feeling that someone would have made a return visit on me just to gauge my intentions. As it is, the elders certainly know how to reach me and have made no efforts to do so. I have counted that as a blessing. If the WTS wants its lost sheep to come back, they have evidently left it up to local congregations to retrieve them without any direction from Brooklyn. I find that strange considering how the WTS feels it necessary to dictate to Witnesses about every other aspect of their lives. That is just a clear indication about how they really feel.

Quendi

58

The last meeting you ever went to.......

by watersprout in

jw
friends

i don't know whether this has ever been asked, so i apologize if i'm repeating.. what did you do at the last meeting you ever attended?

did you stay for the whole thing?

what made you realize that this was your last meeting, or did you not know it would be your last meeting??.

Quendi

Like NVR2L8, my last meeting was on 13 June 2010. I had been disfellowshipped in September 2005 and had spent the ensuring years trying to get reinstated. I knew I no longer wanted to be a Witness, but I wanted reinstatement so that I could associate with some very close friends of mine in the organization again. My plan was to get reinstated, and then do a slow fade.

However, I had met with my judicial committee for the umpteenth time on 10 June and requested reinstatement again. They gave no answer that night, but promised me a decision in a few days. On Monday, 14 June, we had a telephone conference call, believe it or not, that involved only two of the committee elders. I thought the whole procedure violated the WTS rules, but I let it slide. I had attended the meeting the previous day, and was transacting business the following day when this drama played out over my cellphone. I was told there were still things I needed to work on and to "have patience" about reinstatement even though it was going on five years.

I didn't argue. I thanked them for their time, such as it was, and have never spoken to them again. So that Sunday was my last meeting. I didn't know it would be at the time. I have had no desire to return for any reason. The Memorial is coming on the seventeenth, and I am determined to stay away. That meeting was always the worst for me. I was treated like scum, and the hostility I felt from the elders in particular always made me regret attending. Besides that, I no longer see the point of celebrating it. Why? Well the provision of the Lord's Supper was to continue until the Lord 'arrived' according to 1 Corinthians 11:26. WTS theology says he arrived in 1914. If that is the case, why are they still celebrating?

Quendi