when i read coc, i was stunned that the 2 elders (theotis french & rob dibble) were on ray franz judcial committee.
i have known these men for over 20 years having done rbc and convention work with them.
they are still elders today which means they were in their early 30's(which is unheard of for a case of this importance to have inexperienced elders to sit on) on this committee.. without revealing myself, i have never tried(but have wanted to), ask them about their on having to judge a former gb member.. then out of the blue, about a year ago, i was mentioning how hard it is trying to get younger ones to volunteer to one of these elders, and he says"this is nothing compared to to sitting on the committee that had to disfellowship ray franz".
Kudos to JJ for not only sharing, but also admiting wrong, making amends with people he felt he wronged, and then being open and honest about it.
I think those who for some reason felt the desire to wag their finger at the former elder, should probably remember we ALL here at one time were true believers, and probably did things we wish we could take back.
it's about a year since i started visiting this website.
it all started with the july 15 wt last year and all the changes.
lazy me had not read it online so when one bro said to me at the hall, 'have you read all the new stuff in that issue' i didn't know what he was talking about.
Its amazing to me how many similar experiences their always are here......and I have to say, don't stop communicating your feelings. like James says, it does alot of good for not just you but others too.
http://www.salon.com/2013/09/10/richard_dawkins_defends_mild_pedophilia_says_it_does_not_cause_lasting_harm/.
Bohm,
Its the old "I apologize if you were offended" nonsense though isn't it? I think he is aware he overstated, and that is a good thing. Still, the general suggestion, while I can agree is being a bit blown up, is still pretty reprehensible (TM).
there's been a buzz on this forum - on and off but currently on - that there has not been an article in any watchtower publication on the blood ban for a while - which feeds speculation that the organization is distancing itself from this doctrinal absurdity.
does that mean there's been nothing mentioned about the blood doctrine for months or years?
specifically, when did the watchtower last mention the blood ban?
The blood doctrine is not going away.......can you imagine? This isn't some doctrine nobody already understands, or thinks is part of their belief system anyways like overlapping generations. This is BLOOD.
Its in the top three of what JW's are known for.
1) No holidays or borthdays
2) Compulsory door knocking
3) No blood under any circumstances (depending on circumstances).
It isn't going away. They are just going to stop with the gestapo schtick over it, because its bad press, and they will get kicked out of some countries if its compulsory.
If they really changed this doctrine, don't overlook how many people would be gone, and how many law suits would spring up.
i'm at starbucks .
just outside in the courtyard.. i'm trembling.
my hands are shaking.. wow!.
Terry I am glad this turned out the way it did.....and I relate to the shock and surprise at your own emotions when faced with this kind of thing. It really is quite amazing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgekcfofaau.
Underground gay community existing for decades.........ummmmmm I'm not doubting you......but I am tho.
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=8ae_1405660548.
.
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This is angering to watch. If the people around knew this man was killed, there would be riots in New York right now.
The problem is police are not taught how to speak to people.
They looked panicked that they are being recorded too.
i believe the organization is already easing up on disfellowshipping people for apostasy.
they know most doubters just want to be left alone.
disfellowshipping them turns them into martyrs.
I agree to a point. Its like this basically already.
You want to leave quietly, they assess you as a "threat" and decide you aren't going to "cause problems".....you can go. Just don't let us hear to talking to anyone. So no DFing, unless it rattles back to them somehow.
If you start blabbing on, tell others how you feel, anyone "complains" to the elders, then you are quite possibly going to be DF'd.
Basically if you become or even resemble, that what they are going to say you are anyways.....you are disfellowshipped. If you aren't, they will let you fade, and basically tell everyone that is what you are anyways. :)
ive heard from a credible source that the landover (dc) international convention is important to the society in view of the 100 year anniversary of "kingdom rule" and the location being near the capital of the "seventh world power".
perhaps they hope this particular international sends a message.
we know that come convention time usually there is some feel good fluff piece in the newspapers about the watchtower religion.
I'm down.
i attended my last meeting in january 2014, having realised that i'd been lied to for 20+ years (i'm now 43 y/o).
rumours spread of my 'apostasy'.. in may, cobe contacted me inviting me to a private meeting with elders at the kh.
(no mention of the meeting being a jc).
Table4-1,
Your wife is calling you an apostate to others? What a betrayal. I am really sorry to hear that.
Now is the time to get yourself stronger and better than ever.
The elders are going to LET YOU fade? Well isn't that mighty white of them.
