Posts by 3rdgen

20

Gas prices today & the book study

by LevelThePlayingField in

we all remember, one of the main reasons for removing the bookstudy was the high gas prices, well, have you looked at the gas prices today?

nationwide, the lowest is about $1.65, the highest is about $2.67.

isn't that right about the same gas prices as when they cancelled the bookstudy in the first place?

3rdgen

Nic, good point. The WTBT$ has never lost any sleep worrying about hardships of those outside the USA. It was NEVER about gas prices. What, they LIED????? Yeah, I don't think the society thought the truth would go over too well.

Imagine sitting at the KH and hearing the letter read....

Dear Brothers,

It has come to our attention that there is an ever increasing number of pedophiles among us. Since the Congregation Book Study is a place where there are greater opportunities for these pervs to groom and molest their victims, we will discontinue this meeting as of next week.

Please be assured that this decision was made out of our Christian love for the brotherhood and NOT because we are getting our asses sued off.

Your brothers,

The Legal Department

20

Gas prices today & the book study

by LevelThePlayingField in

we all remember, one of the main reasons for removing the bookstudy was the high gas prices, well, have you looked at the gas prices today?

nationwide, the lowest is about $1.65, the highest is about $2.67.

isn't that right about the same gas prices as when they cancelled the bookstudy in the first place?

3rdgen

It was a fertile ground for pedophiles.

31

The Thief of Always

by YinzerDad in

prologue... .

a brief precursor about myself.

i've been lurking around for almost 2 years.

3rdgen

YinzerDad, Welcome! I enjoyed your post. I too, am twice your age but didn't mentally leave the Watchtower until i was almost 60.

My only living child (daughter) is your age so I am always interested in the perspective of the early thirty somethings raised as Witnesses. She asked me if she could take dancing lessons when she was about 8. I agreed, reasoning it wouldn't be much different than piano lessons-something perfectly acceptable in JW culture. Little did we know she was extremely talented. After only a couple of years she was moved to the advanced classes in Ballet, Jazz, and tap and the teachers were pressuring me to let her dance competitively. Needless to say, the congregation did not approve and I'm sorry to say, I didn't let her take her talent to it's natural limit.

Fast forward to the present. Daughter left JWs nearly 10 years ago after being baptized only 2 years. Like you she has recently started therapy. Not all of her pathology is JW related but more than she admits to- is. However, I am happy to report that after leaving JWs she took up Ballet again as an adult, not to compete but purely for the love of dance.

I mention this to say that there might be an interest you had in your childhood that you have put aside or forgotten about. You now have permission to explore those interests. Even if they seem childish, who cares? Go for it! I wish you and your family all the best. Keep us posted.

40

What is the org’s view on extraterrestrial life?

by My Name is of No Consequence in

i am sure that it has been discussed before.

but just out of curiosity, what is the orgs view on extraterrestrial life?

the org certainly agrees that the universe is infinitely large.

3rdgen

Beth S gave the standard JW answer which is: Earth must be the first planet to be inhabited because otherwise the issue of Universal Sovereignty would have already arisen and been settled by JeHOvah.

I agree that if intelligent life is found on another planet they will likely say it is a Satanic hoax. Yet, when i was still "in" there were those who thought that after the big A and the paradise earth is filled some other planet might be prepared (by God) to support human life. Then humans might be transferred there to beautify and fill it. I know, weird.

44

Why do people follow demonstrably False Prophets?

by WireRider in

why does everyone just turn a blind eye to the false teachings of the watchtower?

the bible warns us many times and in many ways not to follow false prophets - including the lake of fire.

fundamentally why do the followers of the watchtower just ignore the very bible they claim to live by?.

3rdgen

The answer: B

I

T

E

Have you read Steve Hassan's Combating Cult Mind Control? Def worth a look.

129

Silent And Sweet Rebellion Going On Within JW Organization!

by lsw1961 in

after 1975, the vast majority remained as though nothing has happened.

but some left the organization.

however, there arose a third category who did not leave the organization, but brought a new view into their heart: jws are right in their core cause (gods kingdom as the solution to mankinds problems) but may or may not be right in their supplementary teachings, hence are not bothered about changes happening in this unimportant area..

3rdgen

Isw, who or what is causing the vibrations you spoke of?

183

JWs have more good points than bad

by lsw1961 in

1) many who were on the destructive path have been transformed by their teachings (this includes me who was once vicious, and presumptuous and atheistic).

2) equal monthly pay to all members of the bethel community regardless of whether they are bc members or sweepers.

this is something that still remains as an unattainable dream for the world.

3rdgen

ISW, Leaving JWs is similar to a divorce. I know because I have done both. Married 30 years and almost 60 as a born in JW.

There is a process of grief that comes with both. At the end comes acceptance. After acceptance comes real happiness. If circumstances don't allow for happiness at least there is the peace of mind that comes from a clear conscience and freedom of mind.

9

Songs that have a JW meaning?

by GrownMidget in

jw
friends

do you have any songs that you have listened and then thought that it also works from an apostate point of view?i have always liked this song, but one time realized that i was thinking how it sounds awfully familiar, if you think about those who have lost family/friends due to leaving.this song was originally made/written because one of the actors died in a car accident.

movie was still being filmed and many spots he was needed were never finished with him.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgkafk5djsk.

3rdgen

Weird Al Yankovic's Amish Paradise

We been wasting most our lives

living in an Amish paradise.

...........................................

but you prob'ly think it bites

living in an Amish paradise.

39

JAMES WOODS is in the hospital (heart related)

by Terry in

jw
friends

james woods has been a long time regular on this discussion group in all of its incarnations.. he had some kind of "heart-attack" and has been in dallas' emergency ward for several days.

he also has a blood clot doctors are working to break up.. 972-261-4412 is his cell number.. he was in a talking mood yesterday afternoon.. i bet it wouldn't kill him to get some well-wishes.. james goes back a long way as an ex-jw.

he knows where the bodies are buried :).

3rdgen

Terry, thanks for letting us know about James Woods. We wish him well and to feel better soon.

183

JWs have more good points than bad

by lsw1961 in

1) many who were on the destructive path have been transformed by their teachings (this includes me who was once vicious, and presumptuous and atheistic).

2) equal monthly pay to all members of the bethel community regardless of whether they are bc members or sweepers.

this is something that still remains as an unattainable dream for the world.

3rdgen

ISW1961 I am curious if you think that your appointment as elder was by Holy Spirit? If so, how exactly? I ask this because you have stated that you don't approve of all of Watchtower's teachings and policies but keep your mouth shut about it. Smart.

I have several relatives who are elders doing the same as you- enjoying the privileges and status of their "positions" secretly holding different views than the WTBTS. They have the comfort of maintaining relationships with friends and family as well as the the social benefits of their tight inner circle who also secretly discard many of the "details" of the religion. It just so happens that they are successful businessmen who are enjoying good health, live in multi million $ homes, are able to travel the world, and have supplied their children with businesses they will inherit.

If a JW like you is able to "fake it" there is no motivation to leave. This site however, is mostly comprised of those whose consciences won't allow them to live this way. They feel morally compelled to live truthfully and authentically despite the consequences.

I conclude by asking a follow up question: Why would Holy Spirit appoint a brother who is not a true believer?