Darth,
First of all, thanks for bumping this old and good thread, and posting those articles. I myself am an INTJ. Not only do I struggle with my introversion because of the parasitic nature of extroverts, but I also find difficulty with my strong judging aspect. As a judger, I seek closure, definite plans, and concrete actions. This is in direct contrast with the perceiver type that can keep their options open, multi-task effortlessly, do mindless repetitive tasks, and can talk aimlessly for hours about absolutely nothing.
Being a JW does absolutely nothing to help me in these areas. I find myself drained and exhausted after each meeting, and in recent years assemblies and conventions have become chaotic events that need a weeks preparation for me to produce enough energy to offset what I will inevitably loose at these occasions. And field service??? LOLOLOLOL, I've never, and don't think ever in the future will I posses a zeal, exuberance, or honest desire for the “organizational ministry”. Dating is another epic fail zone for me. Not only am I part of a zealot based elitist religion that views marriage as dishonorable, but I have no desire or appetite for the endless and quite often ambiguous dating rituals. I couldn’t small talk a chick, even if my life depended on it. Oh well, there’s always porn . . . lots and lots of porn . . . so sad.
Don’t fret, there is a very positive side to all of this, and I’ve only really appreciated it recently, though if I look back on my life it has been there the whole time. In the second article posted by Darth at the outset of this thread, it enumerates five key areas where introverts excel, and these five areas translate into JW leadership gold. Since the majority of R&F are made up of leeching extroverts who can’t create, need constant stimulus, and are fanatical about upholding all the pharisaical rules of the organization, they ultimately fail at spiritual progression (Heb 5:12). They don’t meditate, reflect, hold their words, have patience, or true discernment (Prov 10:19). I’d say the majority of the CO/elder/ministerial servant group is extroverts concerned with an outward display of faith (Mark 12:38-40).
Now enter the introvert. I have built an INSANE amount of respect, and dare I say even awe, by saying just one or two things (Isa 50:4). I have found that it is indeed an impressive thing to use silence to judge, and draw out peoples ideas and thoughts (Prov 20:5). When I read the Bible from the platform, I can hear a goddamn PIN drop in the back lobby. By precisely timing very carefully thought out comments, a bland watchtower discussion and an aimless conductor are suddenly invigorated with ideas, and encouragement (1Cor 9:26). And when I read threads like this that highlight value of introverts, I can’t help from feeling a certain ping of responsibility because I know I too am introverted and sensitive (Jas 3:13). So for all of my complaining and worries, I feel that as an introvert, my strengths greatly outweigh my weaknesses, especially when it comes to leading by example, and encouraging others. As you can see, I have reflected on myself and the bible very closely, intimately, as a lot of introverts are sure to be able to do. Through the struggles of being associated with the WTBS and all it’s nonsense, my personal life and everything, the words at Jas 1:22-25 have always helped me, and those around me.
I would love to hear others comments on being an introvert, especially if you are still in the JW religion, and even more so if you were born in. Thanks for taking the time to read this, (and the scriptures if you even bothered . . . pssh, I know, the bible, right?) Feel free to give your opposing views as well; I only progress when I listen to and embrace strong, logical criticism.