I faded, but was always open about the reason. No personal grudges, no secret sin…just issues with the Watchtower. I don’t volunteer “to spill my issues” but I don’t refuse to share them either. I always joked about stuff like donation money, counting time, the rising number of anointed and the ever-stretching generation. Now JW.ORG is really cooperating. Recently I’ve commented on convention trinkets, the Mexican wave, JW.ORG’s Broadway effort and Sam’s new Rolex for JW.TV. I was thrilled when they did the Bethel “Happy” video (told some there was a positive side to dad having Alzheimer’s. He’s unable to grasp the Watchtower’s desperation). Carts have been good (told one JW “better dress well and not bring a coffee cup” so passerby’s don’t mistake you for a homeless person). Now they’re even better to mock ‘cause they “have a heart” and ‘sing’. I’ve tried Bible argument and humor. Humor is definitely more effective.
Although some snubbed me completely, many are very pleasant when I meet them. I have discovered over time that some stay smiling with the hope of enticing me back. Others however, like myself, have big problems with the organization, are even open to talking or joking about them, but have managed to separate the organization from Jehovah. One commented recently “If it wasn’t for Jehovah I don’t think I’d still be a JW.”
So go for it. Tell your friend you miss him. And see where it goes. Don’t renew your friendship with the goal of “taking him out” and things may work out.
