Posts by optimisticskeptic

21

JW Malaise

by Half banana in

malaise according to the cambridge dictionary:.

a general feeling of being ill or having no energy, or an uncomfortable feeling that something is wrong, especially with society, and that you cannot change the situation.

where the dictionary says society, read "the society"........... is there a malaise in the jw world?

I would say sir82 is closest on this answer. It's something I debate internally as well. Although I think there are a few more shades between pure socialites and true believers. I know a lot of younger ones, young couples, and young families and I would say there's a pretty large swath of believers that aren't hardcore. Not sure what to call them. They're spiritually minded but don't really pursue any privileges, seem to believe its the truth but don't really bother to question or research their faith. They're a step above socialites as they do have some level of conviction and are regular in service and meetings. Anyways, I think this makes up a pretty large group of all ages. But I've commented here before that I do think many in the org are certainly becoming a bit more casual and balanced. I find especially those under 40 or 30 to be this way, even those who are appointed are generally not nearly as dogmatic. Which is nice. Unfortunately you still have a lot of older ones who are stuck in their ways. It will be interesting to see what JWs are like in another 20-30 years.

18

Transferring Congregations

by optimisticskeptic in

what is included in the publisher cards and other information when you transfer from one congregation to another?

i was privately reproved and may be moving to a congregation where there are brothers i rather not know why i was privately reproved.

is the fact i was privately reproved visible but not the reason why?

optimisticskeptic

Well sounds like I could be in the clear. I think the reproof was around 4-5 years ago. My privileges were restored in 6-12 months. I haven't done anything to irritate anyone. Meeting attendance or field service is sometimes a bit sporadic but generally regular. I have good relationships with most in the congregation. I'd say the only problem elder has already gone to another congregation so he's not of concern anymore.

18

Transferring Congregations

by optimisticskeptic in

what is included in the publisher cards and other information when you transfer from one congregation to another?

i was privately reproved and may be moving to a congregation where there are brothers i rather not know why i was privately reproved.

is the fact i was privately reproved visible but not the reason why?

optimisticskeptic

What is included in the publisher cards and other information when you transfer from one congregation to another? I was privately reproved and may be moving to a congregation where there are brothers I rather not know why I was privately reproved. Is the fact I was privately reproved visible but not the reason why? I heard the reason why can be sealed or not known, just the fact you were privately reproved. Thanks for any help/info you can provide!

24

Younger Witnesses less fanatical or fundamental

by optimisticskeptic in

i am a born in jw for over 30 years now and have been in various positions in the organization.

now i'm guessing most of us recognize that older generations tend to be more fundamental and less reasonable when it comes to their outlook and beliefs.

i find this to mirror the differences you see outside of the organization as well (older people less tolerant of other religions, newer technology, lgbt, etc.).

optimisticskeptic

Yeah, I think anyone who has continued to be isolated through home school, being in rural congregations, etc could still be really fundamental. Although the internet helps keep people informed to some degree. I don't think this more laid back attitude has to do anything with the Witnesses specifically. It's a much larger macro culture thing. 200 years ago everyone lived or died by the church. Over the years people have generally become more progressive, secular, or less believing/fearful of the church and it's power. You see evidence of this across every brand of Christianity. 50 years ago no one would have thought we would see the cultural changes today of the acceptance of the LGBT community or gender or racial equality. Granted these are still issues, but especially people under 20 seem to be the most accepting of these things. There will always be the regressive parts of society but it seems more often than not the larger population slowly progresses even if there are pauses in that progression or reversals at times. Even all of the nationalist rhetoric you see in Europe and the US still represents a minority of those populations.

Anyways, all this to say is I don't think most younger witnesses are really even conscious of the more relaxed attitudes. They've just been raised in a different society and along with that I don't notice as much fire and brimstone from the platform. I think the day to day teachings have softened as well even if the main tenants are still very fundamental. So I think for some younger witnesses the social aspect is important, they believe it's the truth, but they don't get all judgemental or extreme on the smaller things like alcohol, entertainment, beards, etc. Hopefully, if some of these progress and become elders themselves perhaps we'll slowly see a shift towards those attitudes and becoming a bit more of a moderate religion. We'll see I guess.

24

Younger Witnesses less fanatical or fundamental

by optimisticskeptic in

i am a born in jw for over 30 years now and have been in various positions in the organization.

now i'm guessing most of us recognize that older generations tend to be more fundamental and less reasonable when it comes to their outlook and beliefs.

i find this to mirror the differences you see outside of the organization as well (older people less tolerant of other religions, newer technology, lgbt, etc.).

optimisticskeptic

Thanks! Yeah, I'm wondering how the org might change in the next 20 years or so as older generations die off. I wonder if the religion will become more reasonable and balanced. Time will tell I guess.

24

Younger Witnesses less fanatical or fundamental

by optimisticskeptic in

i am a born in jw for over 30 years now and have been in various positions in the organization.

now i'm guessing most of us recognize that older generations tend to be more fundamental and less reasonable when it comes to their outlook and beliefs.

i find this to mirror the differences you see outside of the organization as well (older people less tolerant of other religions, newer technology, lgbt, etc.).

optimisticskeptic

I am a born in JW for over 30 years now and have been in various positions in the organization. Now I'm guessing most of us recognize that older generations tend to be more fundamental and less reasonable when it comes to their outlook and beliefs. I find this to mirror the differences you see outside of the organization as well (older people less tolerant of other religions, newer technology, LGBT, etc.). Likewise, I find that younger ones in the organization, say 40 and under, also seem to be more rational and reasonable. I've known a lot of "true believers" in my time but I find I rarely meet any around my age. From what I've seen as well many have a more tolerant attitude towards alcohol as well as entertainment. Although no one really advertises this. Heck, one brother told me the research he was doing with his mom on medical marijuana and from what they could tell as long as you don't smoke it it's considered a conscience matter. Anyways, all this to say, has anyone else noticed this? I feel like people in religion in general are becoming increasingly less fundamental and more secular and reasonable, even in other religions. Of course, on the opposite side you have the extremist factions in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, etc. But it seems like the 80/20 rule where most are becoming more relaxed as opposed to more fundamental.

FWIW: I'm currently in a congregation in a city that has over a million people so perhaps it's the classic difference between more rural and isolated communities vs more generally more tolerant and progressive cities. I've been to some small more isolated congregations that are pretty insane.

7

Parttakers

by Freedom rocks in

i was reading another thread about the new gb member and it got me wondering if anyone knows someone who partook of the emblems at the memorial even though they knew they weren't 'anointed' just to see what reaction they got?

did they get questioned by elders?

did people start treating them differently?

optimisticskeptic

Every person I've known who claimed to be anointed was a complete nut job. One guy literally had bi-polar and was believed to be schizophrenic. I have not met anyone who thought they were anointed who seemed like a sensible normal person.

19

New round of elders and MS schools going on, anyone have a inside scoop on any of the info being shared there?

by optimisticskeptic in

confidential items are of most interest of course, just curious what they're talking about there in general and what are the newest things everyone is being warned about, etc.

.

optimisticskeptic

Confidential items are of most interest of course, just curious what they're talking about there in general and what are the newest things everyone is being warned about, etc.

6

How do cultural norms impact Witnesses throughout the world?

by optimisticskeptic in

an easy example is beards.

i hear they're not unusual in places like europe, even on appointed brothers.

it also seems like they're becoming more accepted in more liberal parts of the states.

optimisticskeptic

An easy example is beards. I hear they're not unusual in places like Europe, even on appointed brothers. It also seems like they're becoming more accepted in more liberal parts of the States. Are there examples of other things like this that might be acceptable in Europe but not in the States or visa versa or even in other continents/countries throughout the world?

27

Why the move to Warwick?

by optimisticskeptic in

i've seen a lot of posts around and about warwick and the goings on there but was curious as to people's theories on why the move to warwick?

granted there's the obvious point about all of the money from the sale of properties in brooklyn but for as massive as warwick is, the purchase of an apartment complex there, multiple sites and buildings i would be surprised if they had much left from all of the profits.

so beyond a financial incentive why move?

optimisticskeptic

Is there any hard evidence on what they made selling the properties and how much Warwick cost? I would be deeply surprised if the math was as simple as 1b-200m=800m profit. There are multiple properties beyond Warwick, the tech building for the broadcasts, warehouses for sound stages, the buying out of an apartment complex, the buying out of a hotel, and I think there's another location that's for infirmed and old age ones. I don't think there's any way this is all 200m. I would think easily 500m. Regardless, you could still say they pocketed 200-300m, which is a lot of money no doubt, but I would think funds that don't last long for all of their operations even though their is a lot of cutting back throughout the org worldwide.

Regardless, interesting discussion being had!