Posts by UnshackleTheChains

64

Why is there such a 'high turnover' within the Jehovahs Witnesses?

by UnshackleTheChains in

i happened to come across a time article in 2008. it was basically talking about the high turnover in american faiths.

it mentioned the jdubs and highlighted the following point.. an even more extreme example of what might be called "masked churn" is the relatively tiny jehovah's witnesses, with a turnover rate of about two-thirds.

that means that two-thirds of the people who told pew they were raised jehovah's witnesses no longer are — yet the group attracts roughly the same number of converts.

UnshackleTheChains

The real story became apparent after a couple of years. It's like peeling an onion one layer at a time. Everybody is very secretive and nobody there will level with you about what is wrong. You have to find out on your own, one rude awakening after another. I was on the fringes of the religion

LongHairGal

That has most definitely been the experience many of us have had. I recall the days before the internet when I would watch elders on news reports or documentaries (eg suffer the little children) refuse to answer questions. They would walk past the journalists without saying a word. I always thought that very arrogant and bizarre. Cognitive dissonance allowed me to brush these thoughts aside by thinking 'oh ...they are not wanting to cast their pearls before swine' 🙄

I also felt I couldn't ask 'the why' questions, because of the group think culture within the organisation. Questioning the GB is tantamount to questioning God. To my shock and horror when the internet came along, I discovered that numerous individuals were disfellowshipped for questioning the teachings of the GB.

The secrecy of this organisation sickens me. The Australian royal commission truly exposed the secretive, deceptive nature of the organisation. Thank God for the age of the internet.

64

Why is there such a 'high turnover' within the Jehovahs Witnesses?

by UnshackleTheChains in

i happened to come across a time article in 2008. it was basically talking about the high turnover in american faiths.

it mentioned the jdubs and highlighted the following point.. an even more extreme example of what might be called "masked churn" is the relatively tiny jehovah's witnesses, with a turnover rate of about two-thirds.

that means that two-thirds of the people who told pew they were raised jehovah's witnesses no longer are — yet the group attracts roughly the same number of converts.

UnshackleTheChains

The problem is that those who are 'born-in' become JWs by 'default' having made no real decision and are more likely to be 'weak' members.

Whereas those who have converted have made a specific decision to join and are therefore more likely to be 'stronger' members

Darkspilver

I would have to agree with your point. A perfect example of this was when I recently went to an ex JW Meetup and this discussion came up.

I was a convert. For many years I was quite strong in my faith. Those at the ex JW Meetup who were brought up, mentioned that they never felt spiritual at all. I found this really interesting.

64

Why is there such a 'high turnover' within the Jehovahs Witnesses?

by UnshackleTheChains in

i happened to come across a time article in 2008. it was basically talking about the high turnover in american faiths.

it mentioned the jdubs and highlighted the following point.. an even more extreme example of what might be called "masked churn" is the relatively tiny jehovah's witnesses, with a turnover rate of about two-thirds.

that means that two-thirds of the people who told pew they were raised jehovah's witnesses no longer are — yet the group attracts roughly the same number of converts.

UnshackleTheChains

I happened to come across a Time article in 2008. It was basically talking about the high turnover in American faiths. It mentioned the jdubs and highlighted the following point.

An even more extreme example of what might be called "masked churn" is the relatively tiny Jehovah's Witnesses, with a turnover rate of about two-thirds. That means that two-thirds of the people who told Pew they were raised Jehovah's Witnesses no longer are — yet the group attracts roughly the same number of converts. Notes Lugo, "No wonder they have to keep on knocking on doors."

http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1716987,00.html

Throughout my years as a witness, I have personally seen people come and go. The retention rate appears to be quite poor and not that many converts in the congregations I went to. I have seen quite a few people fade and disappear without a whisper of why? Some left because they didn't get on with the elders. One young lad left because he had a 'worldly' girlfriend. And another guy left because he didn't feel good enough!

Is this something you have experienced?

16

Why I constantly write letters to the Watchtower Society

by UnshackleTheChains in

hi all.. for many years now, i have been writing letters to bethel in new york and london.

i have also written to the charity commission, the bbc and more to highlight the harmful teachings and policies of the watchtower society.

i realise that some may view this as futile and understand why they might feel this way,; especially considering the pharisaical stonewall-like attitude displayed by the leadership of watchtower.. some reasons i do so is because i feel that constructive criticism is essential in helping to bring about change.

UnshackleTheChains

Hi everyone and sorry for the late reply.

I appreciate all your thoughts and respect all your views.

One thing I do know is that JW.org are run by 'men', that's it!l Slimboyfat made an excellent Point that the organisation is now at a weak point and who knows, what impact my letters (and those of others) may have. These letters just might strike a chord.

Also, as someone mentioned, writing to local politicians, the media etc may be key to putting pressure on the leadership of Jehovah's witnesses to bring about change.

Someone else mentioned that it took the Australian royal commission to bring about change to the societies safe guarding policy. Yes 'Proof of all proofs' that actively bringing such issues to the attention of others can make a difference. Fair play to our Australian friends for their brave active determination.

The important thing is to highlight the issues of the watchtower organisation in the most effective way possible. Small or great, all of us have the power to do something/ anything to bring about change.

Thanks again to everyone for your thoughts

UTC

16

Why I constantly write letters to the Watchtower Society

by UnshackleTheChains in

hi all.. for many years now, i have been writing letters to bethel in new york and london.

i have also written to the charity commission, the bbc and more to highlight the harmful teachings and policies of the watchtower society.

i realise that some may view this as futile and understand why they might feel this way,; especially considering the pharisaical stonewall-like attitude displayed by the leadership of watchtower.. some reasons i do so is because i feel that constructive criticism is essential in helping to bring about change.

UnshackleTheChains

Hi all.

For many years now, I have been writing letters to bethel in New York and London. I have also written to the charity commission, the BBC and more to highlight the harmful teachings and policies of the Watchtower Society.

I realise that some may view this as futile and understand why they might feel this way,; especially considering the pharisaical stonewall-like attitude displayed by the leadership of watchtower.

Some reasons I do so is because I feel that constructive criticism is essential in helping to bring about change. It also helps organisations to move forward (even if it is the Watchtower Society).

For me personally, as like many others, I truly want to see an end to the harmful policies and teachings of watchtower. Actively doing something, whether it be writing, phoning, making videos, respectfully demonstrating etc all adds up.

My aim is not to destroy the watchtower society,. I respect people's beliefs. My hope and aim is to end the reppressive culture within the watchtower organisation.

I will say though, unless watchtower starts making some drastic changes soon, unless they start accepting constructive criticism and listen to what their members are saying, they will simply implode! Currently, they are taking a battering for so many issues ranging from child abuse scandals to the issue of shunning, to needless death's as a result of their blood policy...and much more.

It's interesting that most of the critisicm is coming from within, whether current or ex members.

Let's hope change comes soon.

91

Your worst convention experience.

by zeb in

by a split second rescuing our handicapped son from being pushed down the stairs by a flood of sisters rushing out to see as the drama had started.. the main offender being a special pioneer..

UnshackleTheChains

I walked in late to a convention. Some wet behind the ears, wide eyed young lad decided to direct us to '2' seats for my daughter and I right in the center of of a line of seats full middle aged to old sisters.

That was bad enough. But to make matters worse it was during a very emotional video of a sister dying and coming back in the resurrection. All the sisters had tears in their eyes. They must have been thinking who the f*#@ is this AH coming in at this time spoiling the moment. It was embarrassing and awkward to say the least. 😯

16

Avatar image or whatever it is called

by amicabl in

jw
friends

could someone please tell me why my image is either sideways or upside down.

i feel an utter fool asking this question but i can't find any help anywhere.

sorry..

UnshackleTheChains

Lol. There was me thinking your avatar was symbolic of how watchtower has literally turned your world upside down 😂

7

Hypocrisy in tomorrow's WatchTower study

by Isambard Crater in

paragraph 15 says.... 15 besides abusive speech, the practice of lying is also a trait of the old personality.

for example, it is common for people to lie on tax returns or to lie to avoid taking responsibility for their sins.

by contrast, jehovah is “the god of truth.” (ps.

UnshackleTheChains

Yep pot calling the kettle black

https://youtu.be/Vc9im94ED8U

21

Many Witnesses are just plain tired out!

by UnshackleTheChains in

i believe that many witnesses are tired out or at least tiring out.

i know....... because i am tired out!.

imagine going to college for 20 years not knowing when college is finished.

UnshackleTheChains

I met a 'sister' in the street about a year after I left and she asked me how I was and I said "Absolutely fine," and as if she was expecting me to be ill from leaving the org she said to me, "What are you on? Most of the bros and sisters in the congregation are on anti depressants

Half banana

A Friend on this forum I had a few pints with told me the exact same thing. He ran into some Witnesses in town a while ago (he faded about 12 years ago). When asked how he was doing by an elder and pioneer, he replied that he had never felt better.

They were 'to say the least' shocked at his reply. They were expecting him to say the complete opposite. 😉

21

Many Witnesses are just plain tired out!

by UnshackleTheChains in

i believe that many witnesses are tired out or at least tiring out.

i know....... because i am tired out!.

imagine going to college for 20 years not knowing when college is finished.

UnshackleTheChains

Doing everything I was supposed to do as I didn't have children, regular pioneering, left me completely burnt out, exhausted and ill

Xanthippe

There's an old saying. 'Eaten bread is soon forgotten'

The culture of this organisation is to push and push individuals to do more and more with little thanks or care for their wellbeing.

When you stopped attending, I wonder how many elders and other loving brothers and sisters in your hall came to your home to encourage and thank you for all those years of service you put in!