we have all had the questions asked of us, of when are we going back, or why are we not active, etc.. i was trying to think of a good answer to respond with.
when they ask, put a question out to them: " if you were to ever find out the wts was not god's organization, would you still stay in it?".
at which point you ask them again, and say to them "if it weren't, would you stay in it?
That is a good question!
Unfortunately I think most faithful witnesses would not be able to answer that question honestly.
To do so would mean they would be questioning (even for a second) whether or not this is the "truth".
Doing this might shipwreck their (blind) faith.
Obviously most here have questioned whether or not the troof is the truth, so there is always hope for all trapped in the org..
Huxley
after reading blondie's thread of the baptisms at the district convention, i couldn't help but identify with the 11 year old that said she was so happy to be baptized and has wanted to be baptized for years now.
i was 9 when i got baptized but really wanted to take the plunge at around 7. after my mother talked to the congregation servant about my desire, he said that she should not hold me back.
my daughter was 14 when she got baptized.
I thought it was pretty crazy even though I was raised in the org.
I got a lot of crap for waiting until I was 17! I remember my Dad saying "You need to take a stand now! You are almost old enough to be drafted!"
I finally went for it. Answered the questions, said "YES!" in a loud voice, and hopped into the spa.
Young baptism seems like a pretty good method to trap people at an early age, when they are still finding out who they are.
What a rotten cult.
Huxley
how many out here know a loved one or know of someone who suffers from depression and it is from being in the borg and never feel you are doing enough.
my ex wife would always lapse into a few month state of depression right after a visit from the c/o and getting pounded on about f/s hours or not enough studies or not enough pioneers yadda yadda yadda.
i know with my ex that the constant fear of armageddon and feeling inadequate was a depression trigger ready to be pulled at any instant.
Welcome reddk8!
Like you I recently Da'd myself. I also was horribly depressed by trying to keep up with everything that is required. When I finally made the decision to leave I felt such relief. I still have good and bad days, but they are not as extreme as when I was a witness. I wrote letters to my family and close friends letting them know that I was leaving, and I let them know that I felt like the burden was gone, and I didn't feel that crushing weight of expectations on me anymore.
I knew a lot of witnesses that were on medication for depression. I don't think JWs have the market cornered on depressed people, but with the hectic "do more" schedule, it's no wonder so many are down.
Huxley
for the first time in nearly a month (gasp) my browser found itself sauntering over to the confines of jwzone, and found this thread, which is at once laughable and despicable:.
http://www.jwzone.org/forums/showthread.php?s=422f24c2d92bfe8883ee94b06d723b18&threadid=7512.
here are some "highlights":.
That was some really funny stuff. I especially liked it when the poster said "F-word".
Fing Hilarious
Huxley
i was wondering how long it took for all of you to leave the org.
how active were you and for how long while knowing the "truth" was not the truth.
i ran into an old friend last week.
It took about 9 months for me to go from "doubt" to "out".
Best bridge I ever burned
Huxley
i was speaking to my dfd brother last night, its the first time ive seen him in a while.
we got talking about the jw thing.
i told him about a lot of the truth about them as he asked questions.
What an encouraging experience! (flashback)
It's nice to hear stories like this..it gives me some hope!
viva esperanza
Huxley
this week, the local needs talk dealt with showing loyalty to jehovah and his organization.
the account of achan and his family was discussed.
because they did not report what achan had done, the entire family was punished by jehovah with death.
That story about Achan really bothers me.
Some guy swipes a little booty, and the almighty punishes all the Israelites in battle. Then he punishes the family when Achan's stash is discovered. Always seemed totally unjust to me.
Huxley
this week, the local needs talk dealt with showing loyalty to jehovah and his organization.
the account of achan and his family was discussed.
because they did not report what achan had done, the entire family was punished by jehovah with death.
Damn good point Blondie.
I think they want to be the warehouse of information. Go to them first and they will see how far it needs to go.. argggggggggg!!!!
Huxley
then he said, "if you were in africa and had people chasing you with a machete, then you'd be stressed.
otherwise, you're really not stressed.
"
This is such a typical tactic. Stress is "all in your head." Which makes it your problem.
If a regular publisher could simply submit an itemized list of their expenses for the week to the congregation, and have them paid for, I'm sure their stress would be lessened.
Huxley
***the mole*** i have to report the july assembly is coming.
a letter read to us last thursday advised us to stay at recommended hotels only.
we were told by the governing body that those who do not stay at recommend places are on a path to rebellion.
This will be my first year with no convention. I feel like a kid on the first day of summer!
I think the thing I will miss the least is the communal piss.
You brothers know what I'm talking about... the big silver horse trough.
My sincere sympathies to all who have to attend this year.
Huxley
