if you remember, i've been posting here my subsequent steps from a regular pioneer and ms at the beginning of this year to a rank-and-file publisher after stepping down as ms two months ago.. during these months, i've been through a difficult way.
but after every step, i could feel freer and better.
i've met a person outside the wt that has changed my life forever and i have experienced a freedom of thought and an inner peace like never before.. however, i knew that staying in my hometown would make my fading very difficult.
I did exactly what you've discussed - moved to a different congregation a very long distance from the previous one, was announced as new publisher, then only attended once every several weeks. (for cover for distant family) Went cold turkey with answering, assemblies, and field service. Worked out perfectly for me. Everyone is different.
I wish you well.
you all pretty much know my story so i won't repeat it but.... to say i'm being hounded by my local congregation is an understatement.
today the cobe finally found us in.
well, i refused to answer the door but my husband did.
The key thing is not to talk to these predators.
Phoebe, you have a PM.
anyone who questions the governing bodys authority is labelled as an apostate and almost always they bring up the story of korah and his revolt against moses.. watchtower august 1st, 2002, the article loyally submit to godly authority paragraphs 8-15.. https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2002563.
in not so subtle hint, the gb likens themselves to moses, and those who disagree with the gb are korah.. paragraph 15 is actually quite damaging to the gb's argument though:.
it was so unnecessary for all those people to lose their lives.
JW's will face a Judicial Committee and guaranteed disfellowshipping if they obey 1 John 4:1 to "test the inspired expressions", and openly discuss their research with other J.W.s.
The cult has indoctrinated the sheep to hear the org's "voice" - and to hear alarm bells if they hear otherwise.
well.....they showed that shunning video again.
you know...the one where goldilocks gets disfellowshipped- and the parents look across the hall at her with disdain.....yeah that video.. i was interested to see what kind of answers would be given during the discussion after the video and some of the reactions.
everyone sat there gormlessly staring at the video.
J.W.'s with disfellowshipped family members should never forget the "loving provision" the org has, (not the Bible) namely, that "glorious ones" in their congregation (elders) can safely discuss spiritual topics/reactivation with d/f'd ones, but the relatives cannot and must not. Sounds logical to me. :(
so i sat and suffered through the clam tonight.. everything was pretty much as dull, repetitious, and simple-minded as i have come to expect, but i was really struck by the mind-numbing idiotic comments made during the part about shunning family.. then came the book study (no real bible use) loaded with self-congratulatory b.s about how wt never has, and never will beg, solicit, or ask for money.
i could feel myself beginning to channel the old tasmanian devil cartoon character as i listened to that garbage while remembering the jdubya tv shows about how more money was going out than coming in and give more.
but finally came the most ironic (to me) part of the entire meeting and i could not help bursting out in a loud belly laugh that got me many dirty looks and heavy frowns.
I'll be watching the people's faces as I visit (unavoidably!) a foreign speaking congregation.
Key quotations: https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/5184209385684992/next-weeks-bible-study-k-h
i have been sneakily looking at this forum, almost every day, ever since it began!
it has taken me till now to actually register and contribute.
(actually i did register with a different name in the beginning but never commented).. i am a pimo elder with a fairly long history of senior "positions" in the organization.
Welcome PIMOJW.
Lurking for so long must've given you a lot of comfort and encouragement to see such a "large army" of people like yourself. From a fellow fader, enjoy and thrive on your new road.
one or two notable points from chapter 18 of "god's kingdom rules.".
“it will never beg nor petition men for support”.
7 brother russell and his associates refused to imitate the money-raising schemes so common in the churches of christendom.
One or two notable points from chapter 18 of "God's Kingdom Rules."
“It Will Never Beg nor Petition Men for Support”
7 Brother Russell and his associates refused to imitate the money-raising schemes so common in the churches of Christendom. (but his successors promptly emulated them) In the second issue of the Watch Tower, under the heading “Do You Want ‘Zion’s Watch Tower’?” Russell stated: “‘Zion’s Watch Tower’ has, we believe, JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support. (oh-oh!) When He.........fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication.” Over 130 years later, The Watchtower and the organization that publishes it are still going strong! (a slight exaggeration by the “faithful slave”)
8 Jehovah’s people do not beg for money. They do not pass collection plates or send out letters of solicitation. (a mega lie by the “faithful slave”)
19 Local congregation expenses. Funds are used to pay for the operation and upkeep of the Kingdom Hall. The elders might recommend that some funds be sent to the local branch office for use in furthering the worldwide work. (Some? The org’s recent 4 page letter of solicitation “advises” [demands] that all congregations should donate every excess cent to the org)
The worldwide brotherhood will unitedly exhibit cognitive dissonance next week. (at least the "loyal" ones will)
perhaps potential j.w.
recruits can use this example on their study conductors - and then witness the cognitive dissonance at first hand.. w98 2/1 p. 11 par.
13 – “when jehovah made his covenant, it was only with israel; those of the “vast mixed company,” although present, were not named as participants.”.
@ darkspilver - thank you for your posts. It's good to see different perspectives on certain topics - past and present - and also to highlight them as you have done. I reckon that most newbies are like me and have not researched historical posts here, unless cited or quoted by others. To use an old org mantra - "repetition for emphasis" - I think it would be beneficial for such ones to read some of those posts which you previously listed, as well as some other ones. I will always provide attributable links for any which I copy & paste.
perhaps potential j.w.
recruits can use this example on their study conductors - and then witness the cognitive dissonance at first hand.. w98 2/1 p. 11 par.
13 – “when jehovah made his covenant, it was only with israel; those of the “vast mixed company,” although present, were not named as participants.”.
@ darkspliver (or spilver) - H.L.& S :) Your M.O. is so transparent.
Having viewed some of your past comments, you appear to have a problem with any scriptural topics which put the cult's dogmas in a poor light. Hmmmm.
The WT mole surfaces again.
perhaps potential j.w.
recruits can use this example on their study conductors - and then witness the cognitive dissonance at first hand.. w98 2/1 p. 11 par.
13 – “when jehovah made his covenant, it was only with israel; those of the “vast mixed company,” although present, were not named as participants.”.
Perhaps potential J.W. recruits can use this example on their study conductors - and then witness the cognitive dissonance at first hand.
w98 2/1 p. 11 par. 13 – “When Jehovah made his covenant, it was only with Israel; those of the “vast mixed company,” although present, were not named as participants.”
This statement is then followed by citing Exodus 12:38; 19:3, 7, 8 as scriptural “proof” that the org is being accurate, honest and truthful.
Being selective with scriptures to prove a point? Isn't that what bad old Christendom is accused of by the WTBTS?
Deuteronomy
29:10-15
denounces the lie and the liars at the WTBTS, and obliterates at a stroke their "type/antitype" dogma of the 2 tier system.
“All of you are stationed today before Jehovah your God, the heads of your tribes, your elders, your officers, every man of Israel, 11 your children, your wives, and your foreign resident who is in the midst of your camp, from the one gathering your wood to the one drawing your water. 12 You are here in order to enter into the covenant of Jehovah your God and his oath, which Jehovah your God is making with you today 13 in order that he may establish you today as his people and that he may be your God, just as he has promised you and just as he swore to your forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.14 “Now it is not with you alone that I am making this covenant and this oath, 15 but it is with those standing here with us today before Jehovah our God and with those who are not here with us today."
Where is a "new light" when you need one?
