Posts by tor1500

22

Are Witnesses TRULY Honest, Humble and Hungry? (The 3 H's)

by stuckinarut2 in

how many times did we hear the worn out expression "that anyone who accepts the "truth" needs to have the 3 h's".

yes, they must be "honest hearted.

hungry for truth, and humble enough to accept that they need to change".

tor1500

Hi,

Nope. They appear to be the 3 h's just to look pious...most of the friends have nice cars and homes and go on nice vacations, etc, yet they try to look holy by appearing to be the 3h's....so most claim to have some type of ailment of depression, funny depression and having a roof over your head and food in the frig....nice job....only in America do we name and treat human emotions...we must name and treat them....

But they don't remember the scripture where the couple sold their land for a certain amount and lied about what they sold it for...So blam, they died instantly..because it was their land/money to begin with and whatever they gave was their business so why lie and say you didn't get a certain amount...God don't get mad because you make a good living it's your attitude, do you help someone if they needed it and you have it?

I'm a JW, it's all about appearances....they are not who they say they are....most of them have personality flaws so that's why most stay in the org., because most folks wouldn't put up with the average arrogant witness....Again, I'm in the congregation and they are phonies.....they are mean spirited by nature and that's another reason why they are drawn together....if you are not they will try to make you like them....so that's why I stay down wind from them...they are toxic....

So, no they are not those 3 h's....it's all game....

Tor

43

The denial of 1975 when and how did they go about it.

by Crazyguy in

i was pretty young in 1975, all i remember was a few complaining at the hall after and those at the door that razed us over it.

does anyone remember how they went about denying it and when this started.

i do remember a scripture in psalms about people being mighty and living longer so this was used.

tor1500

Hi.

My question. Was 1975 a rumor or was it in black and white. Did they print literature that pointed to that date. Even if they never directly said it was the end, what was the point of mentioning that date at all. So in reality it does not matter if the flock took it too far. As the kids say. You (the org) started it.

No one will say to the org. but you guys put in writing to keep watch of 1975. Who told us. You.

The org. has admitted have Jw's given incorrect dates for the end? The answer is yes. Check out the January 2013 public edition. I printed a copy and keep it on hand.

Tor

70

What made you stay "in" even when you knew it wasn't the "truth"?

by mentalclarity in

so i've been thinking a lot about why i stayed a jw for so long even though i had always had doubts about the doctrines.

i was born into the religion, left and came back as an adult for another decade.

some of the things that come to mind (besides the threat of shunning-and this isn't to minimize that very real threat) was:.

tor1500

Hi.

Unfortunately, I knew it was not the absolute truth before I joined. I have been to many places of worship and the only thing different about each of them is their doctrine. The same messed up folks are everywhere. There will always be those who take up the seat next to them so they have to be ALWAYS asked to move their belongings. Always be elders and elder'ettes, Pharisees, gossips, flirts, horny folks, gays and closet gays, folks that like to mess with underage children. So to me it does not matter where you choose to worship. The same nuts everywhere. I think of places of worship as a rehab for the mean spirited.

I am still there. I like my congregation as nutty as they are. I see through their comments and know that is all they are. Good comments. Most witnesses want to be good but they are fighting something inside of them.

You see the Bible is like a mirror. It will make you face yourself. So that's why many witness's are always on the go and only have head knowledge of the Bible it's too painful for them to really read the Bible and change. So they hope to get bible studies to hide the fact that they won't and will not change. They are not ready to be accountable. That's why many are witness's because the society can be blamed for their behavior, not them. Many on x witness sites always blame the org for how they acted but deep inside we all know we are not supposed to shun folks.

Again I like the friends and the Bible helps me deal with my life and others. Not sure how much longer I'll be there.

I think many stay because of family and that's all they know. Some stay because of the belonging gene, a place where they fit they could care less about the doctrine. Some are afraid of stepping out and finding out that most people are cool. The org says watch out for worldly folks when really you have to be more careful of witness's. Jw's are on planet earth which is the world so they are worldly too.

I guess you can apply this same question to a person who stays in a not so healthy relationship. Who knows. Only the shadow do.

Tor

30

Why is the approval of family so important?

by jwfacts in

one of the reasons people remain pimo is fear of losing family.

those that are disfellowshipped and shunned regularly comment about how devastated that they have lost the approval of their parents.. when i respond to emails from people saying how difficult it is being estranged or looked down on by their parents, i would like to say that over time they will come to terms with it, except i not sure that people ever do.

i cannot shake that feeling either.

tor1500

Hi.

Great replies. I like the one where they say if your family members don't want to talk to you. It's their lost. If a mom or dad can shun their own children because they don't want to be witnesses or that they get df'd for just being human. You have to ask yourself do they really love them?

Just because you are a parent does not mean they are like Donna Reed or any of those tv moms and dads.

I do get it though. My husband is a middle child and still he craves attention, so I give to him.

Many lack self esteem and replaced it with crowd esteem. So some people crave approval 24/7. I have a friend and her mom did the best she could. It was a big family. But she could never do enough. FYI: there was a father but he was away a lot to make money to feed the family. Until this day my friend still seeks approval and her mother has since died. So sometimes she'll call me and say. "You'll be so proud of me....". I'm not her mom and I have made some not too wise choices so I'm not the one she should tell. But I realize it's really about not ever being able to please her mom. But in defense of her mom all the kids went to college. They are kind of messed up but in a large family that can happen.

We all want to have a sense of belonging. Some more than others. At the end of the day. We all want someplace to rest our hearts.

Tor

6

Ironic song title June 2017 broadcast. Has someone in the GB got a sense of humour?

by stuckinarut2 in

just watching that train-wreck of a song in the june 2017 broadcast.

(btw, yet another one filmed in australia i see).

"i can get back up!

tor1500

Hi All,

Thar song is something they took from A Gospel Song by Kirk Franklin called "we fall down but we get up". The JW's are slowly imitating other religions. In a wt a while ago. They wrote, "what would Jesus do". Now when other christians started to say that the Jw's would have their negative comments. Now who is using the phrase.

Stay tuned there will be more songs that mirror gospels songs. But only folks like me who have been to places of worship would be able to recognize it.

The org. is trying to show how warm and fuzzy they are. Lurkers if you are thinking about having a study. Do your research and pay attention. The public literature is much better than the congregations literature. All our literature is about dos and don'ts. But the public is geared towards trying to make life better.

If this religion is to survive they are going to have to change their game. They have to attract the young folks and that's not happening. That's why they are merging congregations. Many say well it's because the young ones moved away. Could be but i think they move away because they don't want to be a JW.

There is very little growth and everybody knows it.

So again keep on the lookout for more mainstream Christian stuff. We can only hope this social media generation can make a change in the org.

Tor

24

Do WT Publications Make Us Feel Unworthy, Unlovable and Helpless?

by jp1692 in

it is my contention that the wtbts, (as do all high-control, authoritarian cults), deliberately cultivates dysfunctional beliefs among its members.

in particular, the most destructive of these beliefs are those that undermine one's feelings of self-worth.

for a research project i am doing, i am looking for direct quotes from wt publications that seem to be specifically designed to manipulate the readers into feeling: unworthy, unlovable, inadequate and/or helpless.

tor1500

@Stillin,

I do the same thing. I see those videos and say what a scam to get our money and loyalty. The WT has some good points but they are not the only points.

To me religion/spirituality is like this. You don't close your mind to other ideas of doctrine because that is all it is. Mans idea of what God wants. They call it interpretation. We humans wear and use different brands of makeup, clothing etc to make us or something complete.

It is good to listen to other voices. Keep what you need and toss what you don't out.

I love your last sentence. Now you feel stupid but not guilty. Great mindset. You can't undo the past but you can do something about now and the future.

Many witnesses think they are in the right place. Some of us know, nope this is not it. Sometimes you have to let the lowly feel lowly because dome folks don't feel good unless they feel bad.

Tor

24

Do WT Publications Make Us Feel Unworthy, Unlovable and Helpless?

by jp1692 in

it is my contention that the wtbts, (as do all high-control, authoritarian cults), deliberately cultivates dysfunctional beliefs among its members.

in particular, the most destructive of these beliefs are those that undermine one's feelings of self-worth.

for a research project i am doing, i am looking for direct quotes from wt publications that seem to be specifically designed to manipulate the readers into feeling: unworthy, unlovable, inadequate and/or helpless.

tor1500

Hi jp1692,

It's just an observation. I read many sites of JW's x and present and it seems they have a issue with depression or something or other. Never read where a witness came from a balanced home life with love and support. Not to say any family life is without problems. Just read what Jw's say when they come to these type of sites.

Places like the org. give folks a place to fit and for others it's a better than others personality. My God is better than your God.

You ask if cults attract or create, it could be both. If you have a certain need a you may be attracted to a cult because the congregations are not too big and if you need constant stroking cults are best for that. Yes, they can create a person who may not be mentally ill but not too secure, the org. will take you over that edge. Or you will see through it like I do and don't spend to much time with the friends. I'm pretty well adjusted and they know it but trying undo my well adjusted self so I can need them. I don't think so.

Again just read the different sites most witnesses are just not happy people. They put on they are happy. Not true. I'm in. I see it all. I could say more but don't want to blow my cover. Most commetors here never reply to me. I don't have a Debbie downer story. I'm not a woe is me person. And don't blame the org for my behavior. I shun in my own way. When I see a df person I may smile hold the door for them even sit next to them. Just to acknowledge them.

Some of us come from homes that made us feel unworthy so the org plays on that and puts the icing on it. There are people out there who prey on people's weaknesses.

The society knows their audience and know just who they are appealing to. They know how to make videos to pull at your heart and purse strings. Just like on tv when they show you the poor and starving people and animals they too are pulling at the same strings the org is. Some of us are gullible and some not.

Again, birds of a feather flock together, can you spot the common denominator in witnesses?

But did you ever notice that some folks are both self confident? Maybe those turn out to be elders or elderettes.

Tor

23

JUNE 2017 Watchtower - Lost a loved one? Go out in service!

by pale.emperor in

apparently going to the kingdom hall and getting out in the door to door ministry is the best way to get over the loss of a loved one.

who'dve thunk it?.

stash: /intesoft-inc.appspot.com/post/80e3cef960fd4eee9fd5cd757c438581.html

tor1500

Hi,

That is their answer to whatever ails you. Right now I'm dealing with a born in. They are having a difficult time in their marriage. All they want to do is go out in service then call me for encouragement. In reality they are running from their problems like many of us do. But witnesses make a habit of not dealing but know the scriptures back to front and what literature said about this or that. Witnesses do not apply what they read. They apply to others. That is why the want a Bible study so they can hide behind the student because if you have a student it makes appear you are doing the right thing. Not.

But what they don't get is how that sounds. I won't deny that sometimes the sound of your own voice drives you crazy and your heart is in a choke hold, but if God is the God of peace and comfort then why hit the street. Witnesses don't have the faith to survive. Even they have a song that says. Do you have faith to survive? Nope they don't. They only have head knowledge and run to the hall for meetings because that's all they feel they should do. It's always said never miss your meetings meanwhile the ones who attend the meetings wouldn't give you a drink of water. To them being a Christian is going to the meeting and hours.

Tor

24

Do WT Publications Make Us Feel Unworthy, Unlovable and Helpless?

by jp1692 in

it is my contention that the wtbts, (as do all high-control, authoritarian cults), deliberately cultivates dysfunctional beliefs among its members.

in particular, the most destructive of these beliefs are those that undermine one's feelings of self-worth.

for a research project i am doing, i am looking for direct quotes from wt publications that seem to be specifically designed to manipulate the readers into feeling: unworthy, unlovable, inadequate and/or helpless.

tor1500

Hi,

Most felt that way before they became witnesses. That's who they prey on. So the literature is tailored made for those types of personalities. If you have a happy nature they will try to suck it out of you. One thing about life what can't be cured in our society will be colonized. Remember the lepers, they could not cure them so they colonized them. So that is to say, birds of a feather flock together. Yes, there are many nationalities in the org., but there is also many personalities but they are the same....not feeling worthy.

If you feel worthy, you won't last as a Jw. The literature is written for Debbie downers.

Jws forget to put on their oxygen mask first before they help others. Because all they care about is hours and pleasing man.

Yes. The literature does make one feel less than, but that's man saying it. What does God say?

Tor

20

How many here are married to (still In) Jay Dubs? Any tips or advice for keeping the marriage going?

by NikL in

jw
friends

if you are, you know it is not easy to remain intimate with someone who thinks you are basically "walking dead".. any thoughts or tips to share with the board?.

what has been the greatest issue for your marriage?.

need to vent?.

tor1500

Hi.

I a witness not married to one. But from all the sisters I talk to that are married and all the literature the society writes about marriage, they don't take heed to any of it. So happy they are not single and got their mate they lost focus on the marriage.

A couple of tips from my observations: Keep the org. out your bedroom, that is none of their business. Even a single witness they have no say in what goes on in anyone's bedroom. Watch soft intimate videos. That is to spice it up a bit. We all know marriage can become complacent. The everyday humdrum. Both of you pick out the video together and guess what? You both might find out you both got fantasies and realize you both are kind of jacked up so you both got to stay together. You don't want no one else to know how strange you are so now you got a common bond. Just a suggestion.

Another tip is Talk Talk Talk. And not about org. all the time. And don't judge one another like always saying Jehovah don't like this and I'll tell the elders and so on. That's all I got for now. As I mentioned I talk to many of the sisters and many like being married for the image but you can see they are trapped and unhappy. I don't talk to the brothers but I can imagine it's the same.

Tor