Posts by Separation of Powers

35

Do you have any "one-liners" for drive-by witnessing?

by Faithful Witness in

i am looking for things i can say in passing, when i meet some of my jw friends.

we used to attend meetings, but have not been officially recognized yet, as apostates.

we were good and curious students, but fell away and were choked out by weeds.. since i will be renewing my bible student status soon, i am hoping this will open more windows into the organization.

Separation of Powers

Hey Faithful Witness,

A couple of weeks ago, I read a post (sorry don't recall who or topic). They mentioned how they had simply spoken from a position of "all in " witness. In other words, they spoke with SOOOO much conviction that they almost sounded "brainwashed" to a brainwashed person. I think this is very good idea. Examples:

"Wow, I think the GB is SOOO right that secondary education is dangerous and can really harm our spirituality. We were talking about it the other night in family worship and it touched our heart SOOO much that my (husband/wife) and I decided that this really helps us see how Satan is in charge of what this world puts on TV and in books. Jehovah's spirit moved us to get rid of all our TV sets, our radios, video games, my (husband/wife) even started going through our bookshelves and getting rid of some of the novels our kids were reading. I mean, can you believe all the violence in Tom Sawyer?"

"I was shopping at Target the other day and just happened to pass by the TV displays, you know cause we don't have a TV at home anymore, Oh, and by the way, that has been a REAL blessing. Anyway, I was just SOOO frightened by what I was seeing. I mean, this whole Syria thing is getting SOOO out of hand. I mean, THEY could really be the King of the North now couldn't they? Anyway, when I went home my (husban/wife) and I were talking about it, and my (husband/wife) said that when they were driving home from work, listening to NPR, cause that's the only station we listen to, all the other ones are filled with so much depraved music, that (he/she) heard that the UN was planning on getting rid of religion! Can you believe that?!? We are SOOO deep in the last days. Anyway, in our Family Worship, we decided that we are both gonna quit our jobs and start pioneering. I know our little (son/daughter) needs medical attention because of their ??? but Jehovah will provide. I mean, its like the scripture says, "If there is someone sick among you, let him call the elders." I guess we better have their numbers on speed dial. Oh boy, I love this organization...everyone is just SOOO loving!"

Just a couple of examples, be creative....share.

SOP

41

If You Were A Bro(tm) Did You Enjoy The Prestiage Of Giving A Talk? Do You Miss It?

by LoisLane looking for Superman in

jw
friends

i was a sister(tm).

i was only allowed to give talks to my householder.. you brother's(tm), all eyes were on you.. what was that like?.

did you enjoy it?.

Separation of Powers

@ Glander...

Yeah, there are a lot of those "big egos" out there. I think Hoser's comment refers mainly to the "orchestrated" response of so many in the congo. They say what they think "normal" people would say. It's all about the motions. It;s like the doorman that constantly asks, "how are you today sir?" He doesn't care...not at all. He is just being polite.

For witnesses, and particularly those that have a desire to climb up the corporate ladder, the "I loved your talk" comment to one of the elders or CO is perceived as humble and appreciative, and most of all...submissive.

Perception is more important than reality.

SOP

36

I was not only just not invited, I was sent an uninvited letter..seriously?!

by freedom2bme in

jw
friends

here is my introduction letter.

my jw and biological sister is getting married this weekend and 3 weeks ago i received a letter actually uninviting me to this showy display.

i was stunned to say the least.

Separation of Powers

I appreciate your candor. It isn't easy being part of a "normal" family, being a "witness" makes it even more difficult. When I read your post, I thought about those times when I wasn't invited to an event or gathering. I felt slighted or upset. But, I often times took a step back and reflected on the fact that I probably wouldn't have attended anyway or wouldn't have enjoyed myself. Then, I didn't feel so bad (a la The Sound of Music).

You mentioned, "She originally told me she would not be in attendance and invited us to her house this weekend." I think this is a more viable and potentially enjoyable option. If you feel accepted and loved and WELCOME there, then why go someplace else? Sometimes a wedding can be more depressing than a funeral.

Hang in there...

SOP

41

If You Were A Bro(tm) Did You Enjoy The Prestiage Of Giving A Talk? Do You Miss It?

by LoisLane looking for Superman in

jw
friends

i was a sister(tm).

i was only allowed to give talks to my householder.. you brother's(tm), all eyes were on you.. what was that like?.

did you enjoy it?.

Separation of Powers

Like alot of you, I enjoyed giving talks and did so for many years at every level. I was always taught the need to "not waste people's time." I took pride in dissecting the information. I spoke to the audience with the authority of someone who took the information seriously and saw the importance of it in their own life. Although I received many accolades for my ability, I only felt satisfied when someone mentioned a particular point that affected them or touched their heart.

I don't give talks anymore...out of choice. I do miss the idea of being used by the holy spirit and for just one minute helping someone recognize how they are unique in God's sight, that someone cares for them, that life is worth living, that Jesus did everything that needs to be done for your salvation, all of those things that I thought made the person more of an individual than part of the collective.

I am dismayed by the utter lack of effort made by most of the brothers I hear nowadays. The brothers with the dramatic voices that would be better off reading audio books then giving talks. The burnt out elders that use the same illustrations or stories. The brothers who read from the outline or go over every point, not making any formal application of it. It is obvious to me that they simply don't care that they "waste my time." Shoot, give me the outline and let me read it to myself! At least, that way, I don't have to get dressed up and put on a tie!

SOP

47

Any 'Breaking Bad' fans?

by keyser soze in

i finally got caught up with it on netflix, and now it's ending.. predictions for sunday night's finale?

i find myself not really caring what happens to walt.

but i'm definitely rooting for something good to happen to jesse, anything at all..

Separation of Powers

Walt takes out the Nazis.

Lydia gets the Ricin (remember her coffee shop scene where she asks for more "struvia"(?) )

Jesse gets relocated.

Walts family still "shuns" him.

Final scene: Walt coughing up blood and taken to hospital. On stretcher, going to the operating room, he says something about chemistry. Then dies.

10

Are you fading mentally or physically?

by gingerbread in

jw
friends

i began my proactive 'fade' a couple of years ago.

it was due to multiple events: observing (once again) another botched judicial decision, researching the origins of wt beliefs and organizational history & reading the bible by itself.. when the kids were young, i made every effort to get them to the meetings, out in service, study with them, read the bible story book, watch the videos and have plenty of parties with other witness kids.

being raised in the 'truth', i felt this was the best way to teach them right from wrong.

Separation of Powers

Gingerbread,

I have to disagree with your point that fading implies something negative. What is better? New or faded jeans? Yes, faded jeans are more comfortable, they are less restrictive, they are more fashionable, the list goes on and on. I would rather be a pair of faded jeans than a new pair. Also, it is typically the cinemagraphic transition to another part of the storyline, so it works there as well.

I for one have faded mentally. It is getting to the point where I literally laugh to myself and unfortunately, sometimes out loud, when I hear some of the outlandish comments that completely disregard reality or historical proof. As for physically? That is starting to get easier. Lately, some of the goings on at the hall have made my wife start to reason about the "truth." She has started to recognize that its all about "going through the motions" as well.

Good luck...Oh my God, did I just say, "Good Luck?" I must be further along in my fade than I thought!

SOP

18

Why do you think they changed their mind on organ transplants?

by Separation of Powers in

from 1967 to early 1980, the watchtower stated that organ transplants were tantamount to "cannibalism.

" then, suddenly, the position was changed to organ transplants being a "conscience matter.

" so, my question, why the change?

Separation of Powers

From 1967 to early 1980, the Watchtower stated that organ transplants were tantamount to "cannibalism." Then, suddenly, the position was changed to organ transplants being a "conscience matter." So, my question, why the change? I know Barbara Anderson was there during that time...any insights?

SOP

1

The Big Easy and the other sheep

by Separation of Powers in

to further solidify the power base and to strengthen the unique nature of the current fds, it is necessary to hold on to the 144,000 as a real number.

in order to do this, however, it is imperative that the modern day annointed, at least from rutherford on, be considered "truly" annointed.

this is a huge doctrinal undertaking because how does one discount the entire history of the christian church and still hold to the modern "ever growing" number of partakers?

Separation of Powers

To further solidify the power base and to strengthen the unique nature of the current FDS, it is necessary to hold on to the 144,000 as a real number. In order to do this, however, it is imperative that the modern day annointed, at least from Rutherford on, be considered "truly" annointed. This is a huge doctrinal undertaking because how does one discount the entire history of the Christian church and still hold to the modern "ever growing" number of partakers? The answer is relatively easy...John 10:16. Yes, you know the scripture, "I have other sheep which are not of this fold..."

Notice that Jesus here states, "I have..." not "I will have" or "in the future there will be", No, he states, "I have..."

So, how do you solidify the 144,000 as a true and distinct number? By simply discounting all 1st century Christians as pertaining to the "other sheep". This, of course, with the exception of the apostles and those to whom Jesus directly made the promise of ruling in heaven. "Those" particular first century Christians would be the foundation upon which Jesus would build, but the structure would apply only to those chosen during his presence. After all, based on current doctrine, all prophecy relates to our day right?

It's the Big Easy! We are special! (All hail the Church Lady!)

SOP

62

Discussion w/ Wife: I Welcome Your Suggestions

by breakfast of champions in

so these last few wts have definitely eroded my wife's faith in the org.

she is definitely seeing the bs, and i even overheard her talking openly about it to a family member.

good for her!.

Separation of Powers

With regard to WAR- many other groups do not condone violence and are conscientious objectors NOT just the witnesses.

As for preaching, well...look at this

2013

Total hours in field ministry- 1, 748, 697, 447 ( that almost 2 billion hours people!)

Total baptized- 268, 777

S0, that means a total of 6505 hours were spent on each person baptized...if you equate that to full time work, that would be over 3 years of full time effort for 1 person!!!

Obviously, if they were really concerned about bringing people into the "truth," they would find a much more productive and effective way to do that. Because, as the statistics show, it isn't working well. The mormons, for example, don't require all their people to preach, yet, they are growing much quicker than other religions. Mainstream christian groups don't require ANY preaching, yet they are growing leaps and bounds!

Now some out there will say, "well, look at how many bible studies they had." My response, bible studies is not what they are after...they are after converts, so the total hours spent should only apply to "results."

Just some thoughts,

SOP

12

Lunacy or apostasy?

by Separation of Powers in

over the years i have heard some really strange beliefs shared openly with others in the congregation.

one sister, for example, stated that you could not be cremated because then "all your molecules will be spread around and jehovah couldn't put you back together.

" kinda sounds like she got stuck in a nursery rhyme there, a la humpty dumpty.. .

Separation of Powers

Over the years I have heard some really strange beliefs shared openly with others in the congregation. One sister, for example, stated that you could not be cremated because then "all your molecules will be spread around and Jehovah couldn't put you back together." Kinda sounds like she got stuck in a nursery rhyme there, a la Humpty Dumpty.

Anyways, sometimes there are people in the congregation that spread around their wild ideas, ideas that are totally contrary to the "truth" as published by the Watchtower. Yet, nothing, absolutely NOTHING happens to them!

Case in point, the belief that after death the marriage bond is terminated. The deceased will return, resurrected to earthly life, without the desire to marry (per the Society "as the angels"). The living mate, if they survive Armageddon, will NOT be able to remarry that person. THAT is the "current" light. Now, why is it then that an older sister can totally disregard that light and promote her own belief that she will, IN FACT, be with her husband AFTER the resurrection and nobody says a single thing...IN FACT, the Society has told the elders that in this particular instance the elder body should simply humour the person because...if I remember correctly, "emotions" are in play.

Well, then, if "emotions" can be blamed for a blatant and rebellious disregard of current "light" in that instance, the why can't you blame "emotions" for rejecting the generation change, the 1914 chronology, the 1975 debacle, the unknown FDS, the transplant of organs, or even....wait for it....smoking! Heck, every other major sin can be blamed on emotions!!!

What say you?