@djeggnog
For your information, not only am I one of Jehovah's Witnesses, but I serve as an elder in my congregation. Surprise!
I continue in this position for the same reason that many of my fellow elders do. We do not want to lose our friends and family. I, as do many others, know that this religion is bogus and has absolutely no Bibical backing, but we endure because of mothers, fathers, childrens, grandparents. We realiza that the only proof that the Governing Bpody represents the Faith and Discrete Slave "class" is because they say they do.
We make up field service time, we make up bible studies, we make up the number of return visits. I have gotten quite good at it and have not really been in field service for years although my time is actually above the national average.
I don't know how long I can continue, but right now I am doing the best I can......... I'm holding on.
When I hear you speak about minor fulfillments and major fulfillments of Bible prophesy I can only shake my head. When I read how vehemently you defend the ridiculous overlapping generation doctrine I really find it hard to believe. You have truly bought into the Watchtower philosophy one hundred percent. djeggnog We all go through different emotions times in our lives and I believe that at this time in your life you really need the Watchtower promises to cling to, to believe in.
Just one thing and that is how we are told to treat disfellowshipped persons. Yes, we are told how to treat them. It is even printed in the new elder's book. I am an adult with a family. Why can't I decide for myself to whom I wish to associate with? If someone is a murderer or a pedophile how many witnesses do you know who would want such a person as a friend? On the other hand, if I as an adult wish to associate with a girl who has had a baby out of wedlock or someone who has smoked a cigarette (for examples) I should be able to make those decisions for myself. My feelings should not be dictated to me.
In conclusion, fellow board members, I think it is obvious we are wasting our time talking to djeggnog. His mind is made up. The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has the TRUTH. It reigns supreme. If the Governing Body were Jim Jones, djeggnog would be begging for that cold, cool drink.