today, while i was making my way across my college campus between classes, i encountered a surprising sight.
there in the quad was a table with literature spread out on it, and two jws sitting beside a sign proclaiming "free bible course".
how interesting, in light of all the recent denouncing of higher education, that they should be right there in the middle of academia.
Stop by and ask them if it is true JW's discourage their own children from getting a University education ?
And while you're at it talking about higher education, ask them if they are counting time in their ministry. Actually, ask them if they didn't have to report their field service time, would they still be doing what they are doing. Of course they will deny your claim. But inside, they know the truth about the matter.
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
it would be nice to hear from former bethelites from around the world.
there stories while they were at bethel good or bad..
It would be nice to hear from CURRENT Bethelites who are lurking on this discussion board.
Come on now, we know that you're reading this at this very moment. Don't click your mouse and log off. You must have something to express.
Experiences, good or bad.
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
you know, the one where independent bible research is forbidden, er, discouraged.. .
did anybody actually have the balls to say, "the society does not say such activities are forbidden or discouraged, just not endorsed?
" (nudge, nudge, wink, wink).
Old Goat,
Excellent post. Very insightful. Thanks!
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
i was baptized at the "sacred secret" district convention in 1976. funny thing really i don't remember the 1975 issue as i was studing at that time and some how the subject never came up.
i was baptized at the inglewood california dc...
My mother was baptized in 1974. And yes, it was because of the 1975 fevor.
She had been studying for up to two years at that point. That was when I first stepped into a KH in 1972.
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
YES.
These "rubbish speakers" in my hall are elders.
When a MS gives an outstanding public talk and the audience hems in around him after the meeting to thank him for such a wonderful part, these elders stay far clear from this brother and NEVER offer any commendation. Yes, I've seen it oh so many times. I often was the MS.
"Oh how can a lowly MS be so excellent with his teaching skills? Aren't we, the elders, the highly qualified and experienced ones?"
Doesn't that senerio remind of you of the Pharisees?
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
as a jw, alot of us lead double lives.
i know i did.. in talking about our situations with my sister in law, realized that i now lead a double life as a "fader"!!!
my husband and i are "out" of the religion (my brother, sister in law and the kids too) but for the sake of family, they think we are still "in" although they know we are not active.
Double life?
Is that the same meaning as "being true according to a specific circumstance"?
People change. Times change. Moods change.
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
Welcome Marmot!
It isn't easy trying to contain yourself under those circumstances that you described. However, you found yourself here and posting. How do you feel now? Yes, you can say what you like. Many of us understand as some of us are in the same boat as you are.
We hope to keep hearing from you!
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
my name is becky aka mrsroller.
i call myself that because the notorious rollerdave is my hubby.
i met dave when he was in his early thirties and it had only been a few years since he had left the jw's.
Hi Mrs.Roller and welcome to the world of JWD!
I had a chance to communicate with your husband RollerDave and found that he is a very respectful and considerate person.
Hopefully we'll hear more from you and your experiences in life.
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
for saturday morning bookstudy!!!!
thanks for checking on me though.
every meeting now i ask her "so what did you learn at the meeting" and i can tell she is getting tired of answering.
Every meeting now I ask her "so what did you learn at the meeting"
Oompa, do you know what I do?
Once the book study meeting is over, instead of the usual mundane chat regarding weather and work, I occasionally ask the brothers and sisters in my bookstudy group (Revelation Climax publication) what they learned from the meeting.
They look at me as if I'm challenging them. Perhaps they feel threatened. Very possible it's because they don't know what happened during that one hour. Somehow they look nervous. I suppose talking about the weather is paramount in their daily living along with their eternal salvation.
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
from a great wikipedia entry about controversies regarding jw's: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/controversies_regarding_jehovah's_witnesses unfulfilled predictionspredictions such as the following have appeared in various watchtower publications:[56].
1907: armageddon will culminate in the year 1914.
[57]1917: in 1918, god would begin to destroy churches "wholesale" and church members by the millions.
Gary,
Your concepts put into words are just amazing. Painting pictures with dialogue is your gift. Thanks for contributing with your posts. I always look forward to them.
And if you don't mind, I'll gladly use your analogy about 1914 and the concept time with those whom the discussion may come up with when it comes to WTS dates.
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)
