paragraph 2: if we are to progress to christian maturity, we must learn to distinguish right from wrong and then make decisions that reflect our own convictions, not those of someone else.
(romans 12:1,2)(hebrews 5:14) paragraph 11: elders make decisions that affect the congregation.
however, they make sure that they "do not go beyond the things that are written" in god's word.
Classic WTS double speak . . .
Our "own convictions" must still be exactly according to WT doctrine because these are "right" and all else is "wrong"
Going "beyond the things that are written" is in effect meaningless since they will find "scriptural precedents" to jusify just about anything their own bias and prejudice will allow.
Good examples.
otherwise known as "the forer effect" after the guy who first demonstrated it, this is the means by which fake astrologers can appear to make amazing comments about you, which they could not possibly have known.
bertram forer presented his class with what he said was a personality assessment created for them individually.
in fact every paper was the same.
Good thread Bluesbrother . . .
Understanding the personal validation effect is essential in gaining total freedom from the cult-induced mindest. The WTS hammers this for all it's worth.
Your thread has prompted me to think however . . . just to what extent were the bible writers . . . especially Paul . . . unknowing victims of the same perceptive distortion . . . or knowing perpetrators of it's effectivness?
have you ever noticed what the elders say when a depressed person commits suicide?.
i unfortunately knew of two people in my area, one a guy about my age, the other was in his mid 40's that commited suicide.
both times, at their memorials, the elders from stage said that they were home alone and was cleaning their hand gun/ rifle when it accidently fired and killed them.
TD said . . .
While still labeling suicide as "self murder," the viewpoint expressed was that "Only God can fully understand the role of mental sickness, extreme stress, even genetic defects in a "suicidal crises".." Friends and family of a suicide victim could rightly hope for a future ressurrection.
This was my understanding also, and I do remember the article because suicides featured prominently in my JW experience. I knew 12 people personally in 24 years who suicided as JW's or children thereof.
However Aussie Oz said . . .
Generaly though, a suicide will not recieve a funeral at the kingdom hall and Elders are told to weigh the matter carefully before being involved in a memorial service too.
This has been my experince also. Of the 12 mentioned above only 2 had KH funerals.
As for my opinion . . . the labelling of suicide as "self murder" simply displays a shallow understanding. In learning about the subject I have little doubt that suicide "victims" seldom, if ever actually want to end their life. What they are "murdering" is an insufferable pain . . . not life. It's just coincidental that the two cannot be seperated. That level of pain could not be endured indefinitely by any human . . . we just can't know that lest we experience it. The real "killer" is the source of that pain.
i don't hesitate to bring up with the girl i study with, my criticisms of the religion, and one of those is the association.
i keep reading on here that jw's don't make friends outside the cult, and this is what i used as an excuse for stepping further away from being baptized.
she tells me it's not true, and they can have what ever friends they want.
i went to parties and they'd hug me hello and goodbye. Then back at the hall, barely even a hello. IT'S JUST SO WEIRD.
In a couple of congregations I belonged to there was a polarising effect because they can be a bit cliquey. If you become unconsciously attached to a certain set, some of the others can be a bit cool just because of that. On the other hand some individuals will make a fuss of you because they are competing for your allegiance
Those that you identify with most will be more relaxed away from the KH because they are no longer being observed by their rival clique(s).
It can be complicated and socially confusing at times . . . because they're locked into this artificial environment without outside influence . . . they don't know any better. If you stayed long enough it would become clearer but its basically an insular kind of pettiness. I belonged to 8 different congregations . . . none were genuinely united and universally accepting socially.
i'm a sucker for heavy rock .
so long as it's good .
always have been since early 70's.. thought i'd start an entertainment thread so post your fav heavy rockers here.
Nice vids makin there way here . . . Zack and the Mars Volta get my
Quite like these guys . . .
was checking out the aug. 1 public watchtower and the our readers ask... is does god dwell in one place?
think there was something in an awake a few months back about this.
the physical heavens cannot.
Well he wrote the ten commandments with his finger . . . must be one hell of a digit . . . or maybe that's evidence of a "probe" at work
this is dedicated to whoever removed my cult free radio post:.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaepcsq4608.
the next cfr show is saturday, june 11, and will feature an update of the menlo park court case and a discussion of creating youtube videos for jws and ex-jws with youtuber extraordinaire tim kilgore (jwn's very own tuesday).. by the way, why don't you "like" me on facebook?
a discussion of creating youtube videos for JWs and ex-JWs with youtuber extraordinaire Tim Kilgore (JWN's very own Tuesday).
Now that . . . . will be interesting . . . is the broadcast podcast as well?
ED; Sorry . . . missed that bit
We're the only Cult Free Radio on FB so you can find me easily.
absolute comedy genius, who knew religion could be this funny!!!!!.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxo81ok9urk&feature=related.
enjoy .
More proof of God's existence . . .
absolute comedy genius, who knew religion could be this funny!!!!!.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxo81ok9urk&feature=related.
enjoy .
Proof of God . . . .
pp, i have been reading up your previous threads.
it's getting to the point where i'm constantly having violent fanstacies about hurting them and recently i actually considered buying a gun.
before this job i was non-violent but they are starting to push me to a dark place.
A very confused and angry young man it would seem . . . it's probably not unfair to suggest it largely stems from his involvement as a JW. I encountered a number of young ones who developed an unusual and unanticipated reaction to their growing confusion . . . 3 of them never made it into adulthood.
I honestly hope he does seek the proper help rather than going back inside the fire. If he does read this thread . . . please do it PP . . . many here (including myself) have needed and sought professional help . . . it's not weak . . . it's wise. You will still retain your freedom to choose.
