i do - actually, it's become close to unbearable.. and herein lies the paradox: i tried to fade in the illusion that i might keep contact with family and friends still "in".
was it worth it?
because not only most of them shun me anyways, but i find it almost unbearable to be around them, especially when the cult chit chat kicks in: every cute animal video clip triggers endless comments about glimpses of the future paradise and how "god did it"; those greasy praises to the organization and the governing body; the dumb awe about every jw broadcast and those cheesy music videos; the endless drivel against other religions when one knows perfectly well that we're no better than them; the endless flow of "experiences" of field service or spectacular conversions into "the truth"; the relentless congregation gossip; and so on .... i ask myself: is this why i am fading for ...?
Also about Facebook and other social networks: many JW's seem to have a 'guilty pleasure complex' for using wordly social networks, so they appear to be exceedingly 'spiritual' or their posts (while I know that on their daily life they aren't all that), or they try hard to put a 'spiritual spin' on otherwise trivial or wordly posts. In any case, associating with these cheesy Org lovers via social networks is equaly nauseating.
Have you noticed that?
Eden
i do - actually, it's become close to unbearable.. and herein lies the paradox: i tried to fade in the illusion that i might keep contact with family and friends still "in".
was it worth it?
because not only most of them shun me anyways, but i find it almost unbearable to be around them, especially when the cult chit chat kicks in: every cute animal video clip triggers endless comments about glimpses of the future paradise and how "god did it"; those greasy praises to the organization and the governing body; the dumb awe about every jw broadcast and those cheesy music videos; the endless drivel against other religions when one knows perfectly well that we're no better than them; the endless flow of "experiences" of field service or spectacular conversions into "the truth"; the relentless congregation gossip; and so on .... i ask myself: is this why i am fading for ...?
DoC: We are choosing to "fade" for them too. They do not WANT to shun us, and they do NOT shun us now, because they are not obligated to do so.
You make a very good point there. As me and Mrs. Eden were reading, we looked at each other and nodded, because that's precisely why we still think it's worth it to fade - because there are other faders like us whom we would like to try and keep as friends - and I would add to that the family still in. Because by not being DF or DA, it removes the obligation to shun, and avoids embarassing and awkward situations between JW relatives, that 'wordly' relatives wouldn't be able to ever understand.
Besides, it removes unecessary stress from accidental meetings with active JWs who won't feel obliged to shun us then, but act like normal, polite human beings.
Eden
i do - actually, it's become close to unbearable.. and herein lies the paradox: i tried to fade in the illusion that i might keep contact with family and friends still "in".
was it worth it?
because not only most of them shun me anyways, but i find it almost unbearable to be around them, especially when the cult chit chat kicks in: every cute animal video clip triggers endless comments about glimpses of the future paradise and how "god did it"; those greasy praises to the organization and the governing body; the dumb awe about every jw broadcast and those cheesy music videos; the endless drivel against other religions when one knows perfectly well that we're no better than them; the endless flow of "experiences" of field service or spectacular conversions into "the truth"; the relentless congregation gossip; and so on .... i ask myself: is this why i am fading for ...?
I do - actually, it's become close to unbearable.
And herein lies the paradox: I tried to fade in the illusion that I might keep contact with family and friends still "in". Was it worth it? Because not only most of them shun me anyways, but I find it almost unbearable to be around them, especially when the cult chit chat kicks in: every cute animal video clip triggers endless comments about glimpses of the future paradise and how "God did it"; those greasy praises to the Organization and the Governing Body; the dumb awe about every JW Broadcast and those cheesy music videos; the endless drivel against other religions when one knows perfectly well that we're no better than them; the endless flow of "experiences" of field service or spectacular conversions into "the Truth"; the relentless congregation gossip; and so on ...
I ask myself: Is this why I am fading for ...? To keep friends like these?
Eden
i think it does especially being that this organization is rigidly structured itself on formulated doctrines from a top hierarchy of men which are strictly enforced, among other reasons.
what cults are.
a cult is not necessarily a religious group, although religious cults are common, including breakaway sects from more mainstream faiths.
Finkelstein, thank you for this info.
Can you name your source(s) please?
Edit: Nevermind, you did it. It's the familysurvivaltrust.org you mentioned on the second post. Thanks
Eden
i've been lurking for about 3 months now and thought i'd better finally sign up.
you have all been an immense help to me as i have come to realize that this isn't the truth so i want to say a great big thank you!
what a crazy, emotional ride it is to finally face the truth about the doubts that i have carried for many years.
Stumpy! I went through this thread the other day, and was wondering what had become of you. Glad to know you're doing well and together with Mrs. Stumpy you're fading out of the Org. I'll look into your files - thank you for posting them.
All the best for you both.
Eden
i have noticed that the jws are participating in meetings organized by the osce.
they are registered or participate under the "european association of jehovah's christian witnesses".
one point highlighted in this organization is tolerance.
DJS,
hats off, Sir! That's one awesome message.
Eden
i popped into the supermarket for a few things after work today and found myself walking up an aisle alongside a couple who used to be in my tuesday group.
i see them reasonably often and always say hello much to their obvious annoyance.
i noticed that ian was sporting a shaggy beard.
The individual right to shun someone is entirely warranted. However, at least under european legislagion, it is a violation of law that an institution teaches, instigates, and forcefully imposes on its members the obligation to shun others for differences of belief, religious affiliation, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
There's a significant difference, which I'm sure you can appreciate.
Eden
"Imitate the Faithful And Discrete Slave"
well, here i am.. hello world, mrs. eden sending regards to everyone.
:).
my english is limited, so please go easy on me.. mrs. eden.
Hey don't make ME the evil guy in this story. I already had to face a JC last year on that account. No, thanks ...
Besides, it's common knowledge around here that Mrs. Eden will do what Mrs. Eden will do ... The headship excuse wouldn't fly.
Eden
well, here i am.. hello world, mrs. eden sending regards to everyone.
:).
my english is limited, so please go easy on me.. mrs. eden.
Cantleave: Much better looking than the tigerPffffffffff ! .....
