For me, I have zero guilt related to the cult.
I try to let my in-born conscience and my common sense determine if I should...or shouldn't...do something.
Funchback
JoinedPosts by Funchback
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22
Do You Have Any Indoctrinated Guilt Left Over?
by pale.emperor ini voted this morning for the first time.
at 32yo i wondered in a church of england parish hall with no idea what i was doing.
everyone else knew how to do it.
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Putin presents the Order of Parental Glory to a Russian Jehovah's Witness family
by OrphanCrow inhttp://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/54643.
presenting the order of parental gloryon the eve of international children’s day, vladimir putin presented the order of parental glory to parents of large families.
the recipients included families from astrakhan and yaroslavl regions, the republics of karelia, buryatia, north ossetia-alania, perm and primorye territories, and khanty-mansi autonomous area – yugra.the order of parental glory was established by a presidential executive order signed in may 2008 and is awarded to parents (or adoptive parents) raising 7 or more children and ensuring due care for their health, education, and physical, spiritual and moral development.
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Funchback
David A. Semonian, a spokesman for Jehovah's Witnesses at their world headquarters, states: "We view this award as an acknowledgement that the free Bible education provided by Jehovah's Witnesses helps parents and their children to be productive citizens not only in Russia but all over the world. We hope that this award presented by President Putin is considered on July 17, 2017, when the Russian Supreme Court reviews the decision to liquidate the Administrative Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia."
Of course, leaving out the parts about child abuse cover-ups, shunning, etc.
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What is the most bizarre counsel you received as a JW, from a JW?
by Funchback inthere were many addressed to me.
for example, i once had a sister tell me i was gambling because i liked playing skill crane (the machine where you have to try to pick up prizes like stuffed animals) at the arcade.
i then fired back a her: "you saw the r-rated movie 'backdraft.
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Funchback
Two years after starting this thread and reading all of the bizarre counsel given to everyone, I thought I wouldn't be suprised any more. But, as everyone keep posting, I still find myself shaking my head, like, "Really? They can't be serious"! But, the sad part is that I know you/we are all serious about our experiences.
A recap of the "love" I received as a JW:
- I said that I'm riding shotgun to a field service group with the CO present. Old cranky guy named brother Conti. Boy, did he let me have it.
- As a DJ, I played a song called Girls' Nite Out at a wedding reception. I was told this song may encourage wives to leave their husbands.
- As a kid, at a District Convention in Philadelphia's Veterans Stadium, I was sitting with my friend...we were around 8. I believe it was my first convention. It was lunchtime and my friend and me were laughing, and these two German (I think) women asked, "Where are your parents?" and I asked "Why?". She said in a thick German accent, "BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT DISCIPLINED!".
- A sister counseled me for playing skill crane (you try to snag stuffed animals or other prizes using a mechanical arm). She said it was a form of gambling.
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17
Online Donations for Conventions
by Funchback inhttps://www.jw.org/en/whats-new/online-convention-donations/.
online donations for conventions.
donations to support the annual conventions of jehovah’s witnesses may now be made online from a number of countries.
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Funchback
Hey Chook.
They have a link regarding "conditional donations". I live in Brazil so the address below is in Portuguese.
Conditional Donation Arrangement
Donate to the local office of Jehovah’s Witnesses with the condition that your donation can be returned if needed. For more information, call or write to:
Address
ASSOCIAÇÃO DAS TESTEMUNHAS CRISTÃS DE JEOVÁ
Rodovia SP-141 - km 43
Cesário Lange - SP
18285-901
BRAZILTelephone
+55 15 3322-8727 -
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Online Donations for Conventions
by Funchback inhttps://www.jw.org/en/whats-new/online-convention-donations/.
online donations for conventions.
donations to support the annual conventions of jehovah’s witnesses may now be made online from a number of countries.
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Funchback
Thanks for edumacating me, darkspliver!!!
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Online Donations for Conventions
by Funchback inhttps://www.jw.org/en/whats-new/online-convention-donations/.
online donations for conventions.
donations to support the annual conventions of jehovah’s witnesses may now be made online from a number of countries.
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Funchback
They don't make the announcement. Therefore they can't take it into consideration.
I haven't been to a convention in many years, I admit. Since when are the cost updates not announced?
For example, they announce that the cost for the convention. They usually announce there is a deficit. So, I don't quite know how to interpret your response.
Their own site says:
Donate for Your Regional Convention
Beneficiary of Gift
Large annual conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are held worldwide. You can donate to the worldwide work on behalf of the convention you attend to help with the expenses incurred.
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Online Donations for Conventions
by Funchback inhttps://www.jw.org/en/whats-new/online-convention-donations/.
online donations for conventions.
donations to support the annual conventions of jehovah’s witnesses may now be made online from a number of countries.
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Funchback
https://www.jw.org/en/whats-new/online-convention-donations/
May 17, 2017
WHAT’S NEWOnline Donations for Conventions
Donations to support the annual conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses may now be made online from a number of countries. Individuals who choose to donate can find more information on the page How to Donate to the Worldwide Work.
This makes me wonder if they consider these donations when they announce "We have a deficit".
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Can You Trust the News Media? - Awake! 2013
by Funchback ini have stripped it down to this:.
many journalists and the organizations they work for have expressed a commitment to producing accurate and informative reports.
yet, there is reason for concern.
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Funchback
I have stripped it down to this:
Many journalists and the organizations they work for have expressed a commitment to producing accurate and informative reports. Yet, there is reason for concern. Consider the following factors:
MEDIA MOGULS, GOVERNMENTS, ADVERTISING, DISHONESTY, SPIN, OMISSION, COMPETITION, MISTAKES,
FALSE ASSUMPTIONS.While it is wise not to believe everything we read in the news, it does not follow that there is nothing we can trust. The key may be to have a healthy skepticism, while keeping an open mind.
The Bible says: “Does not the ear itself test out words as the palate tastes food?” (Job 12:11) Here, then, are some tips that will help us to test out the words we hear and read:
PROVIDER: Does the report come from a credible, authoritative person or organization? (Is the WTBTS credible?) Does the program or publication have a reputation for seriousness or for sensationalism? Who provide the funds for the news source?
SOURCES: Is there evidence of thorough research? (In the case of the magazines of the WTBTS, I am going to have to say, 'no'). Is the story based on just one source? Are the sources reliable, fair, and objective? (In fact, they are not in regards to the Society's literature. Everything is slanted toward their own agenda. Plus they love using "..."). Are they balanced, or have they been selected to convey only one point of view? (Um, Watchtower literature? One point of view in most cases).
PURPOSE: Ask yourself: ‘Is the news item primarily to inform or entertain? Is it trying to sell or support something?’
TONE: When the tone of a news item is angry, spiteful, or highly critical, it suggests that an attack is under way and not a reasoned argument. (Like attacks on the UN, the Catholic church, or former believers?)
CONSISTENCY: Are the facts consistent with those in other articles or reports? If stories contradict one another, be careful!
TIMELINESS: Is the information recent enough to be acceptable? Something thought to be correct 20 years ago may be discounted today. (This is where I drop the mic and walk off stage).On the other hand, if the news item is a breaking story, it may lack complete and comprehensive information.
Awake! magazine is carefully researched. We attempt to document every fact, figure, and quotation. This journal is not influenced by activists, big business, or any human government. This magazine is supported by voluntary contributions. Its publishers believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that what the Bible says can be trusted.
Link: https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g201312/can-you-trust-news-media/
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When Your Adolescent Questions Your Faith
by Funchback inhttps://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20120201/adolescent-questions-faith/.
this article doesn't touch on the topic of what a parent shoud do if their teenager has made an educated decision to stop attending meetings.
but, hey...what else do you expect from the watchtower coporation?.
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Funchback
Splash-
I would agree with what your last sentence, except that even though on the one hand they say, "Parents who are Jehovah’s Witnesses force their children to follow their faith." is a myth, several sentences later they say, on the the other hand, that as long as your adolescent lives under your roof, you have the right to require compliance with a spiritual routine.
The Watchtower corp. covers itself on all fronts.
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When Your Adolescent Questions Your Faith
by Funchback inhttps://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20120201/adolescent-questions-faith/.
this article doesn't touch on the topic of what a parent shoud do if their teenager has made an educated decision to stop attending meetings.
but, hey...what else do you expect from the watchtower coporation?.
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Funchback
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20120201/adolescent-questions-faith/
This article doesn't touch on the topic of what a parent shoud do if their teenager has made an educated decision to stop attending meetings. But, hey...what else do you expect from the Watchtower coporation?
My highlights (sentences in italics are mine):
What can you do if your growing child starts to question your faith?
At least it says YOUR (as in the parents') faith, and not the child's.But what if, as he grows, your child loses interest in spiritual things? What if he begins questioning the very faith that he seemed to accept eagerly as a child?
How you handle your adolescent’s questioning may well determine whether he will choose to draw closer to your faith or pull farther away from it. If you declare war with your adolescent over this issue, you are in for a strenuous battle—a battle that you are almost certain to lose.
Deceived?
Myth: Parents who are Jehovah’s Witnesses force their children to follow their faith.
Fact: Witness parents strive to inculcate love for God in their offspring, just as the Bible commands them to. (Ephesians 6:4) Nevertheless, they realize that when a child becomes an adult, he or she will make a personal choice with regard to worship.—Romans 14:12; Galatians 6:5.
First, try to discern what factors might be contributing to your adolescent’s view. For example:
Does he feel lonely and friendless in the Christian congregation?
Does he lack self-confidence, making it difficult for him to speak up about his faith?
Does he feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of living up to Christian standards?
Naturally, it can't possibly be for any other reason. Surely it can't be because he has discovered some of the lies, hypocrisies and cover-ups of the Organization.What underlying issue might your adolescent be facing? The best way to find out is to ask him! Be careful, though, not to let the discussion deteriorate into an argument. Instead, follow the admonition of James 1:19: “Be swift about hearing, slow about speaking, slow about wrath.” Be patient with him. Employ “all long-suffering and art of teaching,” just as you would with someone outside the family.
For example, if your adolescent balks at attending Christian meetings, try to find out if something else is bothering him. But do so with patience. Little good is accomplished by the parent in the following scenario. The italics in the below dialogues are not mine.
Son: I just don’t like going to meetings anymore.
Father: [hostile tone] What do you mean you don’t like going?
Son: I find them boring, that’s all!
Father: Is that how you feel about God? You find him boring? Well, that’s just too bad! As long as you live under our roof, you’re going with us—whether you like it or not!
God requires that parents teach their children about him and that children obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1) However, you want your child to do more than blindly follow your spiritual routine and reluctantly go with you to Christian meetings. If at all possible, you would like his mind and heart to come along too.
...consider how the above conversation could have been handled more effectively.
Son: I just don’t like going to meetings anymore.
Father: [calmly] Why do you feel that way?
Son: I find them boring, that’s all!
Father: Sitting for an hour or two can be boring. What do you find most challenging about it?
Son: I don’t know. I guess I just feel like I’d rather be somewhere else.
Father: Is that how your friends feel?
Son: Well, that’s just it! I don’t have any—at least not anymore. Ever since my best friend moved away, I feel like there’s no one to talk to! Everyone else is having a good time. I feel so left out!
However, an adolescent might wrestle with such questions as: ‘How do I know that there is a God? Why would a God of love permit evil? How can it be true that God has always existed?’—Psalm 90:2.
You might feel that such questioning represents a step backward in your adolescent’s faith. In reality, it may well represent a step forward. After all, questioning can be an important aspect of a Christian’s spiritual growth.—Acts 17:2, 3.
Be careful not to force your views on your adolescent. Instead, help him develop his own convictions.
So, if you are a teen, you think this article might help you, right? It gives the impression that you should be able to tell your JW parents how you really feel. It clearly instructs your JW parents to listen and not get angry, and to be patient. It admits that sitting for an hour or two can be boring (Is sitting for two hours on a beach or at a restaurant or a movie boring? The article intentionally omits the words "at a JW meeting" between 'two' and 'can').
Then, perhaps showing a sign of progress, the article encourages questioning! It also says parents should not force their views on you. Great news, right?
But alas, in true JW hypocrisy, the article undoes everything with this conclusion:
The book Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 1, states: “As long as your adolescent lives under your roof, you have the right to require compliance with a spiritual routine."