As an outsider, I still shake my head about the fact that they so readily abandoned the sacred door to door work in the face of a bit of government opposition. They proudly sent their own people to jail back in the day. Abandoning the door to door work would be like the Mormons forsaking their hol(e)y underwear. Or the SDAs adopting a Sunday service.
But it seems the R&F were happy for the rest, and aren't too keen on getting back into the grind.
GrreatTeacher, I agree that there is probably nothing coming from HQ to encourage the lessening of shunning; the ranting CO pretty well confirms that. Any change in position would be well documented, accompanied by the obligatory "We've always done it this way" article. You would think that they would consider nerfing the shunning a bit, considering the Norwegian situation and the fact that the Japanese Diet seems to be taking an interest, but WT's default reaction is to double down. The trouble with telling yourself and everyone around you that you are always right is that everyone starts believing it. In life, even the things that you could originally claim to be right about can change, so that you become wrong. If you believe that you are always right, you won't make the necessary changes. Hence the CO tantrum.
The slaves are just tired.The Covid crisis gave them a chance to rest, and they seem to have liked the idea. The CO was using the stick; the WT needs more carrots 🥕. Covid killed the few carrots they had: the JW social life. Resting from the daily grind of Watchtowerism seems to be a very tasty carrot.
the watchtower—study edition | september 2023. study article 39. let mildness be your strength.
11 if a workmate asks, for example, why we do not celebrate birthdays, consider: could he be wondering whether we are allowed to have a good time?
or might he feel that our position will dampen the company’s team spirit?
If they can get away with Thanksgiving by calling it "turkey day", why can't they just call a birthday "cake day"? If they can rationalise turkey day with "Well, turkeys are so cheap at this time of year", then they can get away with cake day by saying "Well, the cake was there, anyway".
i have a question about this article.. https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jw-education-school/.
higher education can lead to moral and spiritual dangers.
a bible proverb says: "the shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself.
"It is truer to say there are no believers in theological colleges."
Says the bloke who's never set foot in one. I've spent time in one and I can assure you that there are people there who believe that the bible is the word of God and are there to study it.
You are probably thinking of religious studies at University, rather than theological colleges.
physical abuse among jehovah's witnesses is highlighted in japan in this story.
watchtower is certainly "making god's name known".. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/11/21/japan/society/jehovahs-witnesses-survey-abuse/.
It's been mentioned in another thread:
It must irk the WT powers that be. In the 90s Japan was the GB's golden child, held up as the example to be followed. They were the "African brothers crossing crocodile infested swamps" of their time.
Cue mandatory "We don't abuse anybody " quote from the Japan branch.
Not knowing much about Japanese politics, how likely is a report commissioned by the opposition to get traction in The Diet?
issues raised in this thread:.
https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/6496820625145856/non-jw-parent-dating-jw-who-wants-children.
i'm trying to list all the things jw children are not allowed to do, or are discouraged from doing.
jwundubbed, Wow, that is an amazing story. I'm glad you came through it all relatively unscathed! I'll mine your post for more points to add to the list later. 👍
issues raised in this thread:.
https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/6496820625145856/non-jw-parent-dating-jw-who-wants-children.
i'm trying to list all the things jw children are not allowed to do, or are discouraged from doing.
"For a religion that offers a hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth,,,,is one of the most coercive,,abusive, demanding,regulating,manipulative,sexual repressive groups out there"
I can't help thinking that it's by design. Create a horrible, joyless existence for your followers, so that they are incentivised to work towards the joyful Paradise you promise them.
GrreatTeacher, do you think that there is a secret policy to lessen the shunning being passed down through the ranks, or is it more likely that individuals don't care anymore and are exercising basic human decency?
i would like to know if there are any ex's or formers who still appreciate good manners and respectfulness?
but i hope this question isn't offensive to this forum.
.
Iwant2know, is everything OK?"
Yes, are you still around? And doing well?
Hopefully you haven't been raked over the coals for fraternising with outsiders. 😱😸
i have a question about this article.. https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/jw-education-school/.
higher education can lead to moral and spiritual dangers.
a bible proverb says: "the shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself.
jwundubbed, Yes, it is quite the paradox: on the one hand, they want dumb people that can't defend themselves from the WT's distorted doctrines, but on the other hand, they want smart people who can defend them from the consequences of those distorted doctrines.
