Topics Started by optimisticskeptic

4
Meetings and masks
by optimisticskeptic in
1. jw
2. friends
as it warms up wearing masks at meetings is getting really old.

the numbers from the cdc don't take justify it in my opinion.

maybe come winter if things spike again.
27
Will the ministry ever resume?
by optimisticskeptic in
1. jw
2. friends
going on 2+ years of no public ministry.

can't imagine anyone is really enjoying letter writing still or that it's remotely effective.

i'm a little shocked that we haven't resumed yet but i guess that's what happens when the org is run by a bunch of old people (ie high risk for covid) and a bunch of other sheltered germaphobes.
9
What's actually recorded in publisher record cards?
by optimisticskeptic in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
it seems to be unclear if things like public or private reproofs and details around those events being recorded and traveling with you.

it seems like the details are largely part of whatever judicial paperwork there is and not necessarily attached to your publisher card permanently.

i changed congregations a few years ago and it appears the letter the body wrote only covered the most recent issue and said nothing of a reproof that had happened a few years prior.
21
JW Response to COVID
by optimisticskeptic in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
i haven't been on here in quite some time so i apologize if i missed a similar thread already (i did look for one :) ) anyways, just to be clear i think the jw response to covid in general has been really positive and proactive and they've done really well trying to educate people on covid, doing zoom meetings, etc to prevent spread within the congregations.

the part that i find interesting is how compliant and non-apocalyptic the branch has been during all of this.

even as someone who's a bit of a skeptic i found myself wondering if this might be the beginning of the end between covid, economic upheaval, and blm.
18
Transferring Congregations
by optimisticskeptic in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
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?
24
Younger Witnesses less fanatical or fundamental
by optimisticskeptic in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
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.).
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
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
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
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
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.
9
Best Bethel stories
by optimisticskeptic in
1. watchtower
2. scandals
i temped at bethel 3 times for varying lengths of time and found working there to not always be the rosy picture some would paint.

not a surprise really, but i think one of the things that surprised me the most was how a lot of the permanent bethelites (especially older ones) were so impersonal to temps.

they acted like you weren't worth investing their time in since you weren't permanent.
27
Why the move to Warwick?
by optimisticskeptic in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
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?