just writing down some notes to share with jws when i meet them.
here are a few of the problems of logic i see in their doctrines.
perhaps you can add to them.. systemic contradictions – jws boast about fighting for religious freedom – that is their freedom to share their differing views with people outside the organization - yet there is no freedom amongst members to disagree with any official teaching within the organization without the threat of losing friends and family.
Don Cameron's book Captives of a Concept is an excellent summation of points like these. It is presented in an easy-to-understand layout and exposes many of the obvious contradictions and fabrications by the WBTS.
It is so logical - yet a True Blue Dub will be unable to grasp it. They will simply switch to Parrot Mode and answer with the illogical rhetoric they've been programmed to believe and recite.
it was announced this week that the theme for the 3 day convention is "do not give up".
these are the words that are spoken to someone who is struggling and is in the process of giving up.
this theme tells me that many in the organization are tiring out and slowing down.
file under: It's Never Enough
The WBTS is continually emphasizing how much MORE you can do, give and be in your service to the almighty GB and Org. It is never enough.
It is their way of keeping the flock in the pen, dumbing them down and making them feel like they're not doing all they can. They beat down your self-esteem and put you on a treadmill ... the more miles you walk, the more they lay before you.
People are already in debt because of the Watchtower. They repeatedly assure themselves it's all for Jehovah ... even as the rent is past due, the power and water are near disconnect, they can't make ends meet.
They sugar coat their responsibilities with a label of "trial and tribulation from Satan". Religion is the ultimate excuse for not being accountable.
WE
message from designer stubble to the former jwr members.
first of all i am glad to see that many of you have found your way to this great forum, facilitated by simon.
i am sure that after the dust of the jwr shutdown has settled, you will find this to be a good new home.. i would like to apologize for the sudden closure of jwr.
I also was a member of JWR for years and had many lasting connections there.
The lack of warning that it was being closed is most unfortunate - there are many I would have liked to say thank you and goodbye to, in addition to having the option to arrange to stay in touch with others.
In thinking about Rifter's choice to so abruplty close down JWR, I can't help but liken it to the way the JWs instantly cut off anyone who leaves the cult. It felt very similar, though in a different way.
The end result could have been achieved via a much more compassionate path. While I am forever grateful to Rifter for keeping JWR going after Moxie's departure, I do wish we had been afforded advance notice that the closure was coming.
watersedge
