i have been registered here since october 2001, when the un story broke.
i figured it is time to start my first official thread and introduce myself.. first i would like to thank simon for providing this forum.
i have enjoyed it immensely for the past year or so and found it both thought provoking, and humerous.. the problem i have, is trying to get my wife of 18 years to visit here.
Welcome Calamityjane!
Hope some of the threads don't scare you off. Just take them in stride, people don't hold back too much here after having to be so subordinate for so long..lot of blowing off steam goes on. However, there is so much you will get from this site that will touch your heart as I'm sure your're already finding out. Enjoy!
what are some of things you were deprived of as a jw kid that were not all that bad??
i remember when other kids would say 'cross your heart or hope to die' as an act of truthfulness.
i don't know the origin...but it seemed harmless enough.
Brummie, I didn't know checkers or chess was taboo. My dad who is still an elder is a huge chess player! We always did the cross your fingers too---some things slipped by us I guess!
what are some of things you were deprived of as a jw kid that were not all that bad??
i remember when other kids would say 'cross your heart or hope to die' as an act of truthfulness.
i don't know the origin...but it seemed harmless enough.
Yes!
Used to hate it when someone would sneeze and I couldn't say "bless you". I was working with this guy in an office with just the two of us in there and every time I would sneeze he would say "bless you". Then anytime he would sneeze I wouldn't say anything, it felt so rude! Also, not doing "cheers" with your glass (not that it came up very much due to the bad association rule, but worldly relatives weddings or whatever). And no "good luck" to someone when it was appropriate either. Saying "break a leg" just doesn't quite get it out of the acting arena!
Danthenman, What the heck is that supposed to mean? Why would a black man put up with a white woman who's a head case? What does the fact that he's black have to do with it? Anyway, re Minimus' question: sure I would. Like most here, it's about the person, not the culture..in fact, the culture difference can be a source of enjoyment if you view it that way. It's all in how you want to see it. I have two sisters married to other races, one is married to a Japanese man and one to a Mexican man. Of course they are both Americans so there is not too much of a culture difference, but enough to keep it interesting. (I mean that in a GOOD way).
there i was sitting down thinking about nothing then a lump appeared in my trousers,ow no i mouthed no,.
just then i heard in the distance a brother say and now the song number will be ???????
i was in agony, no no i pleaded with myself nice thoughts nice thoughts,i squeezed him but he wouldnot go down, i pinched my hands and still no luck,everyone else was watching me ,as i was the only one sitting with my hands claspedacross my lap,.
I always heard you were supposed to repeat "Dead puppies, dead puppies" over and over, at least that's what my ex husband used to say.
the baptism of jehovah's witnesses compared with the baptism of the christians in the bible .
jesus christ commanded:.
"go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all things which i commanded you.
Hi Unbaptized, and welcome from me too!
Actually, JW's believe that Jehovah alone is God and the Holy Spirit is his "active force", his power used to accomplish His purposes, and does not have a "personality" and that Jesus is His son and 2nd in command.
To Robdar: What do you mean"black masses"?
obviously the witnesses are going door to door, but is it as effective as could be?
in all my years as an adult, only once has any witness come to the door preaching "the good news.
" this is once in over 15 years.
Darkhorse, what are you talking about? Kids have always gone out in service. I know I was taken door to door my whole childhood and when took my first two kids with me when I was still a JW, everyone did.
Having just moved from a public neighborhood a couple of months ago and living there for one year, we were visited by a JW and her two kids. They left a Watchtower, I never told her my background (raised a JW and now DF'd). Still chicken I guess!
often we had threads that said, "what if we are wrong"?
but lets reverse the question and ask, "what would happen if they realized that they were completely wrong"?
imagine 6 million people not knowing where to look anymore for spiritual guidance.
It will never happen JH. Way too much at stake for most JW's. Even if they came to realize they were wrong, I think most would stay in for the rest of their lives.
i have decided to no longer be a jw.
this comes after spending all but 3 of my 36 yrs on this earth as one.
yes it is a huge step, but one i know i must make.
You are so lucky your immediate family (wife and kids) is supportive! That will prove to be your strength for now. I would recommend that you don't do anything quickly, but the folks in the organization may make that difficault. You may be confronted, and if so, just say what comes to your mind--be honest! I have always believed "honesty is the best policy". Whenever I have lived otherwise, it was very difficault and the truth of the matter would come out eventually anyway (usually sooner than later). Having said that, I still would not be the aggressor in the conversation, let them come to you, it's easier.
Funchback,
What Hip is saying about the cartoon is that it sounds just like the WT society! We get convinced so much that even when our better sence tells us this DOESN'T make sence, we convince ourselves to go along with it anyway. How crazy is that?! Great cartoon Hip! I love Dilbert too.
