Keeping people in you really don't want in, because they can play the system and keep from being DF'd, or get reinstated shortly.
The worst part of that is they really don't even see it.
the governing body/watchtower unduly influences millions into extreme beliefs and behaviors.
and i suspect folks like anthony morris thinks his flock is not obedient or strict enough and there are many rules and teachings the governing body would love to enact but do not have the votes, or even they have the sense enough to know it would go too far.
however, i can’t help how by the time their edicts filter down to the rank and file jw, it causes unintended consequences.
Keeping people in you really don't want in, because they can play the system and keep from being DF'd, or get reinstated shortly.
The worst part of that is they really don't even see it.
Happily atheist. Now that I'm out, I feel like God is just a story.
Wait..... not quite accurate, I don't think I ever really believed in God. Now I just know I don't believe.
the reason i ask is because while watching the "dateline" episode about ralph candelario, the claim was made that only jw men could file for divorce, not women.
.
i had never thought about this before.. also, how does this apply in cases where a husband is "apostate" while the wife is faithful to wt?
which ones make you the maddest?
covering up of abuse, shunning, failed end of world predictions?.
my list is long and heavy, but the top 3 that set me off the most are:.
anyhow i got to thinking today about my days in the borg and the resolutions that would intermittently be made in the announcements for co visit expenses, sending a donation to society www fund etc.
my point is that while i was in (almost thirty two years) i never once saw anyone put up their hand to vote against a resolution that the body of elders proposed.
on a couple of occasions i heard a few hushed murmurs but i never saw one person vote against.
We were in a congregation once years ago (this was before we knew this was to be the new pattern) and the congregation was literally forced to build a new kingdom hall. True their hall was terrible, but the only affordable property on offer by the brothers was in a terrible location. Several people vocally disagreed and asked tough questions (such as are you sure we can get new zoning after we buy the property, a very smart question) but the vote was literally forced. A lot of people voted "yes" even though they thought "no". We'd never seen anything like it.
That hall is still in a terrible location..... most of the promised improvements, etc. to the area and the road never materialized. People still grumble (when the "loving brothers" can't hear). Some still suspect someone made extra $$$ on that deal.
what do you think of this article?.
is there anything that relates to your own experience?.
i just came across it while searching for references on the consequences of sexism in the jw organization.. www.icsahome.com/articles/wifely-subjection--mental-health-issues-in-jw-women-csj-14-1.
This is a great article, not even just about women go through as a "submissive wife" ***blech*** but what all JWs go through. If you aren't allowed to do your own thinking and you spend your whole life parroting what "the brothers" want you to do, you will be crazy. Then add to that being poor, undereducated and struggling. *SIGH*
Vidiot, I can't agree more.....the JWs have (by far) more emotionally damaged people within their ranks than without. Partly I'm sure because they attract people who need a source of control, but even more so because they create the problems for their members.
"...i.e. I started genuinely suspecting that the Org was literally driving its more (emotionally) vulnerable members crazy." Yep, seeing that every day. Just watching their TV channel makes me crazy.
And, as frustrated as I get with my mother, I see her portrayed in this article. My dad wasn't a JW, but he was sure domineering. Then, she becomes a JW. She hardly had a chance.
i spent couple wonderful days in napa valley and sonoma with visits to san francisco.
what hits me was the number of apathy carts in the city.
they were at powell station, embarcadero, fisherman wharf, etc.
how are you feeling?.
we weren't going... but a confrontation with family blew things up.
we decided we are going- because we are planning on moving and this is the last jw thing.
as a born-in jw, i never considered myself to be a fundamentalist.
i always thought we were enlightened, progressive and not 'stuck in darkness' like all the other religions.. i was totally wrong.. as far as fundamentalists go, jw's are probably right up there amongst the front-runners.
no, they do not stone people to death or go on religion-fuelled violent rampages but that's not what i'm talking about.
It took me awhile as well to realize JWs are fundamentalists. Actually, it was when everything went online I really realized (if you look at those horrible videos) just what a fundamentalist church they are.
So much so, I have decided that if (really, when) one of my still-in friends asks me why I am no longer active, I have decided to say "I never wanted to be a fundamentalist". We'll see what happens.
since the memorial is coming up soon and its about time for me to go shopping for a new memorial ( aka easter) dress, i've realized what the memorial really is for us teenage girls, a beauty pageant!
the memorial is the day i spend painting my nails, curling my hair, and carefully applying makeup because my mother says i have to "represent jehovah" and look my best.
in reality its just to impress the newcomers and to compete with the other girls.
When I was growing up it was never a big deal, but now it seems to be a fashion show. Which is soooo contrary to what the "Memorial" is supposed to be about it's laughable.
I'd suggest black nail polish to bridge the gap.