Posts by Alligator Wisdom

75

I am a "semi-apologist"!

by slimboyfat in

jw
friends

well, according to our pontiff in residence alan f anyway.

what is this some kind of promotion?

after all, i used to used to be an unreformed apologist troll.

Alligator Wisdom

Finally-Free said : Any organization that physically or psychologically segregates its membership from society as a whole is dangerous.

Something about that reply to the initial statement that "JW's are not an evil cult" stood out to me and I would like to get clarification from other posters.

Do any of you think/understand that the WTS (an organization) is the same as JWs (an individual)? I always thought that they were seperate. The Bible says that each will render an account to God on an individual basis - Romans 14:12.

I grew up and lived as a JW for 35 years. Never did I think that the WTS and JWs are the same in any way, shape or form. I felt that my relationship with God was personal with him only, regardless of it being close or not. Hence, a JW. There is no mistaking that, in my testimony.

The WTS, on the other hand, was a human run organization/corporation. This is what I was taught from my childhood from the elders, my mother and the older ones in my congregation. They (WTS & JW) are not the same. Apparently many here feel that they are the same. Why? Is it because you were taught such or just believed it because it seemed somewhat parallel?

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)

255

Going out with a bang

by LittleToe in

jw
friends

after much deliberation, i decided to go "out" at the end of a public talk.

it didn't go down too well, but at least i was able to give some of my reasons for leaving.. i've put some of the details on my homepage.

i'll update it more when i get the time and the strength.

Alligator Wisdom

Back To The Top

Thanks for directing me to this thread misspeaches.

This method has crossed my mind.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)

20

Why is it so hard for people to be kind ?

by oldflame in

jw
friends

recently i have noticed a difference in peoples attitude towards others.

i remember the day when others would open the door for you or smile when they look at you.

i remember the day when you were merging onto traffic and people would let you in.

Alligator Wisdom

There can be several factors for it, as mentioned by some of the previous posters.

1) Stress. I feel that can be a prime factor. It tends to block out the needs of others.

2) Upbringing. Some good habits are learned or bad habits are learned from the home environment while growing up.

3) Ignorance. I'm sure that I unknowingly cut someone off while driving. Sometimes we all zone out and are not aware of our surroundings.

But we do need to try and look for the good in others or give them the benefit of the doubt.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)

14

Watchtower Progress, One Funeral At a Time

by metatron in

jw
friends

there once was a scientist who cynically observed that science seems to progress one funeral at a time, as older men depart (as obstacles).

and new theories are allowed to flourish.

in the case of authoritarian regimes, the demise of the "old guard" can bring about sudden changes.

Alligator Wisdom

The Watchtower Society has changed over time and will continue to do so. The past 120 years were evidence of such. History has proven it as metatron highlighted. Changes? Yes. Some subtle. Some not.

I can't imagine a 19th century Bible Students organization still functioning in 2007. The same goes for the current policy of the Watchtower in the future light of the year 2146.

And yes, I have heard various ones taking the lead (elders and COs) expressing their concerns privately to me. That being the case over my 35 years being associated with the WTS, the trend toward exhaustion is about the same.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)

18

DA by making own announcement at KH

by Alligator Wisdom in

jw
friends

a brother would state that he is "no longer a jehovah's witness" after his part on the service meeting.

a sister would state the same after her talk on the tms.

or anyone for that matter can express such after making a comment at the watchtower study.

Alligator Wisdom

Has that ever been done before? Would any here consider it?

A brother would state that he is "no longer a Jehovah's Witness" after his part on the Service Meeting. A sister would state the same after her talk on the TMS. Or anyone for that matter can express such after making a comment at the Watchtower study. Then walk out. The air will be thick and silent, but the point made loud and clear. Would an official announcement be necessary after that?

Has anyone here experienced such?

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)

29

Changes at NY Bethel

by architect in

last dec 2005, the ny bethel gave talks indicating that they had to downsize (word is mine) due to "improved technology" and that as a result of this simplification some bethel family members would be invited to serve in the united states field in various assignments at various congregations where the excellent training they have recieved at bethel could be put to use and contribute much to the preaching and disciple making work.. what do you make of this?.

i wonder how they would determine who stays or goes?.

are there any former bethel members out there who can comment on rather this would be an easy transistion for those who have to leave?.

Alligator Wisdom

What if your goal was to stay there for life?

You're right in some respects. There may be some of those whose goal was to be a lifer at Bethel. But who dictates our goals? Us? WTS at Bethel? Jehovah? What happened to "unforeseen circumstances"?

Your mind forgets that whole voluntary part real quick.

If the correct motive is there, then volunteering isn't forgotten. The mind forgets, IMO, when a person gets too comfortable, when an individual has been tricked/swindled cunningly or if a person has a change of agenda which is urged on by ulterior purposes.

And why wouldn't it, you just want to stay right in the middle of Jehover's Universal Theocratic Earthly Part of His Organization TM .

I would call that fleshly thinking. Wouldn't you? Location doesn't really factor in on spirituality. Would you agree?

Reality bites.

OUCH!! It does. I'm sure that we've all been nipped at or even chewed up here and there in our lives.

SirNose586, I'm sort of familiar with your neck of the woods. Maybe we crossed paths before.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)

45

I can be honest here.

by RichieRich in

jw
friends

(sorry hit enter a little early).

so, i looked at my cell phone today, and i had a voicemail from my mother.. i called my voicemail and listened to it:.

"hi richie, this is your mother, just wanted to say i hope you're doing ok, and i love you.

Alligator Wisdom

Do you believe what she said? If so, then in your own words...

Part of me wants to drive straight to my parents house and hug her.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)

24

Is It true what they say about you?

by OUTLAW in

your all apostates!..every last,god forsaken,one of you..you`ve left jehovah..thats why your all,so unhappy!

!...outlaw

Alligator Wisdom

I`ve heard it,I have had it said to me.

I would consider those ones foolish for even saying to you directly that you aren't happy because you decided to part ways. How can they determine your happiness?

Too bad that you were called or labeled as such directly by those whom you knew.

Just as much as JW's shouldn't lump together, as you mentioned they did, nor should we.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)

18

What did the Watchtower do for you as far as education goes?

by The wanderer in

jw
friends

untitled document  education and the watchtower understandably, this is one of the more controversial subjects involving.

individuals and the watchtower society.

the reason being is that on the.

Alligator Wisdom

Fortunately not all JW's buy the teachings of the WTS.

Regarding education in my congregation that I grew up in, the elders never said anything to anyone who attended college. Myself and my siblings included. I suppose that it didn't interfere with our meeting attendance and such, so that's why we didn't get any flack. My peers in the congregation went on to obtain all sorts of degrees and it wasn't frowned upon. CO never said anything. No Local Needs parts on it.

Sometimes it has to do with the local body of elders in some congregations. Perhaps some are "discreet" in the eyes of Christ. Like I said, not all (including elders) believe what the WTS teaches and they don't push it. Perhaps it may be different in your Kingdom Hall.

Consider me not being effected by what the WTS teaches regarding education.

And for those contemplating higher education, if it isn't unscriptural then why refrain?

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)

29

Changes at NY Bethel

by architect in

last dec 2005, the ny bethel gave talks indicating that they had to downsize (word is mine) due to "improved technology" and that as a result of this simplification some bethel family members would be invited to serve in the united states field in various assignments at various congregations where the excellent training they have recieved at bethel could be put to use and contribute much to the preaching and disciple making work.. what do you make of this?.

i wonder how they would determine who stays or goes?.

are there any former bethel members out there who can comment on rather this would be an easy transistion for those who have to leave?.

Alligator Wisdom

Isn't serving at Bethel voluntary service?

Did those who accepted such an assignment realize this?

Who is to blame? Those who volunteered? The WTS for not showing fellow feeling? Should there even be blame?

This is a life lesson for those involved directly with this situation and for those of us who aren't involved directly.

Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously by WTS standards)