Hello. It is nice to see so many concerned and helpful folks around here. Thank you all.
David:: Thank you for making yourself known for me. I am guilty of hanging about here and not registering but just reading comments and such, as well. So, I like yourself feel like I know many who haven't a clue as to who I am. I am sorry for the challenges you (and many others here) faced growing up. A point my hub tries to make with me is that...he says (about the kids) "they have to take a stand on something...and kids will ALWAYS make fun of one another, for some reason or another. At least this is nobel...It is for Jehovah." Which is fine and dandy if this is REALLY what Jehovah wants us to do as christians. But is it?? I start reading scriptures such as those found in Romans 14 and Colossian 2 and I think...maybe this isn't necessary. Why would I want to make my kids make a stand for something that isn't even REQUIRED of us...you know?? Why would I unnecessarily put them through that heartache? Won't they already have enough problems to deal with, without me adding one more to the list?? Do you see where I am coming from?? I think my husband thinks I'm just trying to find a reason to be able to celebrate again...and maybe I am. But I don't think so. I brought these scriptures to the attention of our study partners (months ago) and they explained them by saying that these scriptures only apply to the sabbath. But can I see where the application could go so much farther than that. Maybe they are seeing what they want to see...and I am seeing what I want to see. Anyway, thank you so much for revealing yourself and for sharing yourself with us.
Hey JBean:: Good to see you again!!
Utopian Reformist:: Thank you for commending me on my "quest" for knowledge and understanding. I, like my husband, was attracted to the WTS because of "their knowledge, their organized way of doing everything, their cleanliness, their authority"...and the way they seem to be doing all of the things that the bible tells us to do. Things that other churches do not do. The field ministry really impressed me and the wealth of publications to aide their congregations in learning about the bible and the different prophecies...and also the breakdown of individual books of the bible such as the Daniel book and the Isaiah book. I came from a pentecostal background. Lots of hollering, not much educating...LOL. So, this is one of the reasons why they have appealed to me and my hub. The backbone scriptures always used by our study partners is "you know a tree by it's fruit", "you'll know them by the love among them". When I found out the info about the NGO and read into silentlambs.org...I was shocked; hardly fitting of an organization who claims to "have love among them". And what about knowing a tree by it's fruit??? They cover up abuse, molestation, and lie and hypocritically join up with the UN through the NGO without the knowledge of it's members...and then lie about that too. Some fruit!!! Not to mention the fact that, although I agree with a lot of their basic doctrine, I don't agree with their "rule making" on the "gray" things. The things that aren't in black in white...the things that, honestly, should be left up to individual conscience. These are the primary reasons I am seriously "rethinking" my involvement with the JWs.
Hi Waiting::
Not terribly bad is done ok............but there are women here whose jw's husbands beat them & their kids, etc. - and again, it is for the most part, covered over by the WTBTS.
I don't really have a problem with submission. My dh is a swell guy. He is good and doesn't have a violent bone in his body. I trust him completely. But I could see where some could really use this to their advantage. It is sad that it happens. I know it happens in all religions...but how many religions go through the trouble of covering it up and shutting the mouths of the victims by threats and manipulation in order to protect the reputation of their organization???
Lisa:: Thanks for the advice. I know that I am fortunate that I have a choice. I'm sorry for all of you that never had that luxury. I am here because I want to make a sound and informed choice. And I LOVE Indiana Jones . Thanks again!!
ONE MORE THING:::
I have a question for you all. Many have said that I won't know what it's all really like until after I am baptised...could you let me in on it??? What happens after you are baptised?? What is it that they don't tell while you study?? Since the chances of me getting baptised are slim to none...please enlighten me. I jokingly told my hub to get baptised just to see...relax...it was a joke . I'm just curious. I have been over a lot of the things that have been mentioned here with these people (the JWs). Things such as:
Q:Can I ever disagree with the WTS once inside?
Their answer: Yes.
Q: If I do disagree am I free to voice that opinion to the elders without reprimand??
Their answer: Yes. Exception: Cannot spread my beliefs into the ministry...must keep teaching what the "faithful and discreet slave" teaches and leave my own "opinions" out of it.
Q: Are you allowed to speak to "unsaved" relatives or are you required to disassociate yourself with them?
Their answer: You are allowed to associate with relatives.
They seem truthful in their responses. On second thought, perhaps I should start a separate thread for this. Thank you all for all of your stories and advice. You just don't know how much you guys have and are really helping me. Thank you all so much.
Sorry so long...
Sadie
