Posts by Dunedain

43

Why do Jehovah's Witnesses churches have no windows?

by Kenneson in

jw
friends

someone asked columnist phillip milano of the jacksonville, florida times union this very question.

you will find remarks of several individuals and the reasons they offer, ranging from deterrence to vandalism, to saving on air conditioning bills, etc.

even j.r. brown gives his two-cents worth and replies to critic paul blizzard.. http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/080106/enm_4104779.shtml

Dunedain

Wow, you guys resurrected a 10 year old thread, lol, DAMN.

19

YMCA?

by LifesNotOver in

my husband's gone to his meeting and i'm catching up with folks here on our forum.

i'm sure i'm having a better time :) anyway, was just following some posts regarding the un and there happened to be a copy of a magazine article stating brothers wouldn't want to be joining the "y" because it was "christian".

i think this was back in the 1950's (maybe not).

Dunedain

I can tell you guys about a 100% true situation concerning the YMCA in my old congregation. I also want to add that this is a RECENT situation, literally as of 2 to 3 years.

There is an older sister in the cong, who NEEDS physical therapy for her knees, and legs. Her insurance would no longer pay for her physical therapy any longer. Its a shame because this therapy, supposedly really helped her. Unfortunately, this is a common practice of American insurance companies, where after an amount of time they refuse to pay for certain care.

Anyway, this sister learned to find that the YMCA in her local area, provided the exact type of therapy she needed FOR FREE. Some could even say, " this was a blessing from Jah ". Well, she joined and took advantage of the Y's free therapy.

From what I have gathered, she honestly didn't think it was "wrong", or probably it didn't even cross her mind. In fact she openly mentioned it to others in the cong. Well, word got back to the Elders, and she was spoken to, and told, THAT SHE SHOULD NOT BE A MEMBER AND RECEIVE THAT CARE ANY LONGER.

She was told that it is NOT approved from the society, and that it goes against Jahs' principles, or some bullshit like that. Also, that it was being part of an "unclean" false Christian organization.

This sister, and now her older husband, made it clear to the Elders, why she was going there. That she was simply getting free therapy for her ailment, and that it was really her ONLY option, other than paying THOUSANDS of dollars out of pocket, which was NOT an option.

It didn't matter to these Elders. They only cared about what "Mother org" said. They took into no consideration her physical condition, her welfare, or her financial issue.

So hypocritical for the Org to be in bed with the UN, but not allow a poor elderly sister to take advantage of free therapy at the YMCA. Shameful as always.

I assure you, THIS IS 100% TRUE. I PERSONALLY know this older sister. This absolutely did happen, and within a 2 to 3 years timeframe. This was in a cong in the NYC area too. Not some backwoods, or backwards cong, not in the "know"., making their own rules. Also, if I remember correctly, I believe it was even brought up to the CO when he visited, and he backed up the Elders decision.

Maybe in other congs, they do not care, and maybe in other parts of the country or world, it is a matter of conscience, but it was definitely FORBIDDEN in a cong in NYC, even when it concerned the very HEALTH of an older sister.

47

Hidden message in JW bunker video?

by Dunedain in

so, i was speaking with a relative recently, who is "in" the borg, but is completely aware of the terrible hypocrisy from the gb down.

he is not in the box, and its great to be able to have a realistic, and logical discussion about the current state of the org.. we started discussing, specifically, about that bunker video that was released in december.

how it is being played at all the conventions.

Dunedain

Nameless and Slimboyfat - I think you guys hit the nail on the head. Its almost as if it will become a self fulfilling "prophecy".

The GB is run by imbeciles now, their failed predictions, and harsh way of dealing with the R&F, have caused so many to leave the org.

Now the numbers are down. The "cream" of the Org, that maybe have had some good impact on its future, have all but left, or been DF'd for "heresy".

The youth of the Org have been systematically berated, and harassed by this org, for the past 25 years. That they have either been DF'd, or ran like hell away from it. Now the org has no "capable men" to step up, and run the show.

This creates more buffoonery, as idiots, and kiss assed ingrates, become the Elders, and "older men". This causes more people to lose faith in the org, and continue to leave in droves.

The org is left with, simple minded idiots, from poor economic portions of society, do to the org "demonizing" higher education. Now the members have no financial ability to contribute, and keep the org "floating" and functioning.

The org is now in utter financial ruin. This MUST be the end, they think. They take no responsibility for their own poor decisions, which is REALLY why this org is reaching its end. There is no humility on the GB's part. No looking inside, and trying to fix the situation. Nope its blame the world, blame the R&F, blame the youth, blame Satan.

It becomes a self fulfilling "prophecy". Yes the end IS coming, its coming to this org, and because of the GB's failed ability to run this org. This is why we are getting these desperate attempts to scare the R&F into staying under "mother orgs protection". This is the message that is being pushed by this bunker video.

16

Why do so many JW's argue that they do not believe what they clearly do?

by Crabby in

i ask a question recently, which was why do jw's not salute the flag, and i ask what page of the bible directs this practice.. all i got back was that i do not know what i am talking about and that they are allowed to do this, when i dropped 40000 google links proving that they do not salute the flag they just deleted it as though my proof could not exist.

seriously this is common knowledge, my neighbor just put up a flag to keep the guy across the street away.

so are there jw's who have no clue what they believe, or should believe?

Dunedain

I have never heard of any JW's saying that it was OK, and that they DID salute the flag. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Part of their whole dogma, and rhetoric, is that they do NOT salute the flag.

It is looked at as a "badge of courage" of sorts. It is also looked at as a defining action, or non-action, that binds JW's together.

Most JW's have a certain unfounded "pride" in not saluting the flag. They feel it defines them as being the "chosen", by being no part of the "world".

Really, its basis is a common Cult tactic, where it creates an "US and Them", type attitude. These type of rules, and actions, being limited to ONLY JW's, further alienates the group from "main stream", and adds to the cult like nature that is the Org.

So, yeah, I find it very surprising to hear that JW's were denying they don't salute the flag. It is usually the exact opposite, unless you are a younger, school aged JW. Then you probably HATE that you have to be singled out in front of your peers. Its funny how this rule established by the GB, is one where most of the time, it would never affect them. They would almost never be put into a position of having to be singled out, and embarrassed by not saluting the flag. No, their rules apply to others, and effects the young ones mostly. Something that the GB are so removed from, and where their own rules would never be an issue to themselves, only others.

47

Hidden message in JW bunker video?

by Dunedain in

so, i was speaking with a relative recently, who is "in" the borg, but is completely aware of the terrible hypocrisy from the gb down.

he is not in the box, and its great to be able to have a realistic, and logical discussion about the current state of the org.. we started discussing, specifically, about that bunker video that was released in december.

how it is being played at all the conventions.

Dunedain

So, I was speaking with a relative recently, who is "in" the Borg, but is completely aware of the terrible hypocrisy from the GB down. He is not in the box, and its great to be able to have a realistic, and logical discussion about the current state of the Org.

We started discussing, specifically, about that bunker video that was released in December. How it is being played at all the conventions. It is being flashed before all the rank and file, including the elderly, and even little children. Also, about how truly graphic the video is, not in a provocative way of course, but in a very scary, harsh, and frightening situation that is being portrayed in that video.

The GB is literally showing a situation that is very big in ramifications. I mean, we are talking about seeing people, basically huddled in a basement, doors and windows barred, talking about the dire situation, and then actually showing ARMED MEN coming in at the end. It doesn't get any scarier or dire than that. Especially for the average JW who has been brain washed for so many years that this may happen.

However, when this does happen, that it would be truly signs of the end, and fulfilling prophecy, and it would be a global persecution on Gods people.

To show a video image of this, BUT WITHOUT ACTUALLY GIVING ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, is almost CRIMINAL in behavior.

These are millions of human beings that are supposed to hang on EVERY word and utterance that the GB/Org says. The GB claim to literally be speaking for God. The GB claims they are the mouth piece of Jehovah himself.

To see a video like this one, showing what could be considered a horror for most people, but then leave it at that, without even a further follow up, or discussion, is absurd really. The relative I spoke to, said that the reaction of MANY at the conventions, after seeing this video, is one of "Wow the end must REALLY be here". Or " The society must really be trying to tell us something here ".

Some are even saying. "They/GB MUST know something is coming". Or "This is it, its finally coming, the big A, theres something going down".

This is really a horrible act on the part of the GB to do this to their, supposed flock, that they care for. How can you, with a clear conscience, show a video like that, knowing full well that many people are following your every word and image you put out, but then keep them hanging.

Of course, we know the answer, it was to get an EMOTIONAL reaction. It was to instill a little fear, to keep those that are on the fence, thinking shit, maybe something is going down. Its a terrible act on the GB's part, and truly stinks of desperation.

If the GB really is the MOUTH PEICE for Jehovah, then WHAT ARE THEY TRYING TO SAY. How could they just show this, but then not utter another word. If they showed that video, and then the next talk was, "Listen brothers and sister, we have some news, or word, that some heavy things might be coming", OR "Brothers and sister we don't want to scare you, but we must be prepared, as we see certain events unfolding", OR " Jehovah has spoken, he is telling us, to be prepared, its coming".

NOPE, NOTHING. The next talk, after showing that horrific video, was probably about not chewing gum at the assembly, or we need more donations. It is a despicable, and very irresponsible act on the GB's part. To elicit an emotional, and fear based reaction out of people, but with NO basis, is CRIMINAL. You are scaring, elderly, children, mothers, and families, and why, to keep them in fear, so more don't leave your bullshit organization.

How can these MEN claim any type of divine inspiration. If Jehovah wanted his people to know that SOMETHING was around the corner, you better believe it would be a little more in substance, than a scary video, and then LA DI DA, back to normal.

It would be like if Noah, who the society LOVES to compare themselves to, built an Ark, but never said another word about it. Yes, there is a big giant Ark there for all to see. Some might say, "hey whats that", OR " Look that looks like a boat, I wonder if something might be happening", OR " I wonder what that's for", But Noah never says another word about it. Basically, you gotta figure it out on your own.

Nope, Noah went and preached, and gave SPECIFIC instructions, a SPECIFIC time-line, and SPECIFICALLY what was going to happen, and why an ark was needed.

The GB, shows a video of where basically everyone is going to be stuck in hiding and arrested or worse, by the police, or military organization, and then by saying nothing else, they are saying FIGURE THE REST OUT ON YOUR OWN.

That's what message is being sent, NOTHING, nothing to back it up, just be scared, be frightened, look what could happen, now lets read song number 52, and put some money in the box.

It is complete and utter BULLSHIT, and the GB should be ASHAMED of themselves for toying with peoples emotions and fears. SHAME ON THEM.

10

Fooled me once--twice---ain't gonna happen thrice

by eyeuse2badub in

fooled me once---shame on you!

fooled me twice---shame on me!

fooled me thrice---ain’t gonna ever happen!.

Dunedain

Eyeuse2badub - Is your JW wife that you had this conversation with, the same wife who cheated on you?

Or did that happen with your first wife, and you guys divorced?

The reason why I ask, is because it would be awfully hypocritical of her, and her Mother who would know what happened, to be dictating to YOU what YOU should do to be more "spiritually stronger".

She should be asking herself those same questions, and leaving your poor ass alone. Just my 2 cents. If that was a different wife, well then just ignore my above statements, lol.

63

I've had enough..

by raven in

so last night, after thinking "wow those pesky elders have finally left me alone, maybe since i skipped out on their jc invitation back on august 1st they've given up" wrong.. i go to check the mail and there's an envelope at my front door- lo and behold, another letter from from these elders.. why won't they leave me alone already?

i'll attach a picture of the letter.. again, same letter as the first one inviting me to a judicial committee on august 15th - and signed by all three elders.. should i just continue to ignore?

quite frankly i don't give a rats arse i've been enjoying life free from the mind control of the organization, and i just wish they would drop it and let me live life.. like i mentioned before, i am moving to a new home next week, the only reason these elders have my current address ( which happens to be over 100 miles away from the cong ) is because my mother gave it to them, after i gave it to her in confidence to forward me my mail.. so lets just say she won't be getting my new address... i don't have any contact with ones from this congregation (i'm an ex pioneer, so i'm sure if they've gotten word on what i'm doing, i must be satan himself!

Dunedain

Another thing I did want to mention too, but forgot, is if even after you move, and have not given your new info to anyone, and these Elders continue to "hunt" you down, you really do have a case of harassment.

These men, at this point, would really be going above and beyond "normal" reason. You would not need to get a lawyer, or any expense like that. You would simply have to go down to your local police station. Bring the letters, and all you have to show what they are doing. Give a little back ground info about the cult, and USE THAT WORD.

Give them the names of these 3 harassing men, and you would now have a record of whats going on. If they persist you would be able to take further action to STOP them from trying to contact you, and all the while still be ignoring them.

Hopefully, once you move, it wont get to this point, and you will just be left alone. You never know though, and its always better to be prepared. For now, keep ignoring, and it should work out for you.

63

I've had enough..

by raven in

so last night, after thinking "wow those pesky elders have finally left me alone, maybe since i skipped out on their jc invitation back on august 1st they've given up" wrong.. i go to check the mail and there's an envelope at my front door- lo and behold, another letter from from these elders.. why won't they leave me alone already?

i'll attach a picture of the letter.. again, same letter as the first one inviting me to a judicial committee on august 15th - and signed by all three elders.. should i just continue to ignore?

quite frankly i don't give a rats arse i've been enjoying life free from the mind control of the organization, and i just wish they would drop it and let me live life.. like i mentioned before, i am moving to a new home next week, the only reason these elders have my current address ( which happens to be over 100 miles away from the cong ) is because my mother gave it to them, after i gave it to her in confidence to forward me my mail.. so lets just say she won't be getting my new address... i don't have any contact with ones from this congregation (i'm an ex pioneer, so i'm sure if they've gotten word on what i'm doing, i must be satan himself!

Dunedain

IGNORE, IGNORE, IGNORE. That's all you have to do Raven. If you truly do not care about your "standing" in the cult, then don't worry about it.

As others have said, do not give them any "power" over you, and to do anything to you.

You do not have to subject yourself to their inappropriate questions, their fake "concern" when really they only want to catch you, and discipline you.

If you give them ANYTHING, like your time, energy, information, you are still letting the Cult have some control over you. You do not have to do that. You are truly free from them, but only when you do not let them have any effect on your life.

I LOVE the fact that you are moving very soon. This is an awesome stroke of "luck" at this time. You basically have been ignoring them, and essentially the most they have done is leave/send you a few letters. Its really nothing if you let it continue to be nothing, by ignoring it. Once you move, now they cannot even find you, to leave a letter, or anything.

This is GREAT. You will be completely free, because you are not giving them ANY power over you. They are simply mere men, who for some reason, believe they can judge fellow humans, and they can decide someones "standing" before an Almighty God. Its absurd, really, and its all meaningless once you give them no power over you.

So far, you have, and are, doing EVERYTHING RIGHT. Please continue to ignore them, especially since you said you do not care about the outcome anyway. Since you are not giving your new address to Mom, and you are moving soon, by ignoring them still, you are very soon about to be completely free of this Cult, and these men. Congrats, and keep ignoring them, you are doing it perfect.

57

I got my Bethel Application approved, I start in September

by Quarterback in

jw
friends

well it took awhile.

i've downsized.

got rid of my bmw.

Dunedain

I knew this was a joke as soon as I read it. Once I saw in the OP, that he sold his BMW, to "downsize" to a Ford Fusion, I knew he was joking.

A little humor never hurt anyone. Nice job QB. I get it, lol.

78

How to argue with a JW who says the org never said the end in 75

by dogon in

i have argued with several jws who are now being trained to deny the org ever said the end in 75, what is your approach?.

Dunedain

I knew an "anointed" brother from my old congregation who tried to say that the Org NEVER said anything about 1975.

Needless to say, he was not some old timer in the org since the 40's or 50's, and lived through it as an anointed pillar in the "truth".

Nope, lol, he started studying in the 80's, and was baptized in the 80's too, as a 30 year old man. He was a clown, lol.