ok i think its time i introduce myself... and sorry, its going to be verrry long.. .
i am 32, married, 2 children.
i am french but i live in scotland.. .
What an incredible story you have! You have escaped. Your family photo is a beautiful sight.
I will pray that your wife wakes up, before this evil org gets their grips on your babies.
My children were just a little older than yours, when we finally gave up on the idea of becoming JW's.
from relatives and contacts in 2 states, there have been no bibles available for a couple months.
one person mentioned to me as well about supposed quotes in the magazines from other bibles.
rumors are that they will announce a new bible, or possibly tell everyone to buy a bible from another place that they approve of.
The Watchtower will be introducing a brand new section in each magazine: What does the Bible really say?
That is right, brothers and sisters! You no longer have to carry around that big, heavy book... You no longer need to fear any question or examination from outsiders, who ask you questions you can't answer, or try to twist around what Jehovah'a true message is. Wasting precious resources like paper, ink and glue, on the printing of entire Bibles, is not the best use of the few days we have remaining in this system. Who hasn't run across those annoying questions about why we use a "different" Bible? You can proudly tell them that is no longer true!!
The important work of promoting our kingdom message, while we still have time, is going to be so much easier, with our simple and easy to use Magazines. All applicable verses will be printed right inside each magazine, so you won't have to fumble around through your bible to look them up. There is no danger of getting caught up on context, that no longer applies to our contemporary views.
Have you ever been stumbled or confused by a question posed by a householder, or from being led to read parts of the bible that did not apply to you? That possibility will soon fade away, as you remember to trust the faithful and discreet slave, in all of its wisdom and the direct guidance from Jehovah himself! You will no longer wonder what certain passages, parables, chapters or prophecies mean. Instead, focus your attention on the most current and pertinent information. Today's message is the most important message of all. Do not be tempted by side steppers or those who would lure you into reading unnecessary scriptures. The new format will make it much easier to stay on point, when doing your important preaching work.
We are so pleased to continue our tradition of constant adaptation, under the direction of the faithful and discreet slave. What wonderful news and comfort this will provide us in the last days! We no longer have to worry about distractions from the outside, and now, as the light has grown so bright, we can set aside our bibles with confidence. Jehovah will deliver us the proper food at the perfect time, through the divine words of His own writing department, and modern equipment to completely fulfill his needs.
Let's not forget the beautiful illustrations! As an organization, we have always been so appreciative of the artwork and visual aids provided for us in each magazine. Beginning with the January, 2014 issue, Each monthly Watchtower study magazine will come with a glossy, full color poster, that you can proudly display in your home. These are perfect for children's bedrooms. They will inspire the dreams and imaginations of young and old. We look forward with delight, to the new light, the end of this wicked system, the destruction of the UN and imitation Christians who persecute us. Jehovah's grand design for his people is about to come to pass! We are certain you will enjoy these visual reminders of things to come. It will encourage you to remain faithful and strong.
Does this mean one can't read the bible on their own? No, but be forewarned... doing so will expose you to the dangers we have identified in the preceding paragraphs. Instead of using your precious remaining time, with futile attempts to interpret the bible on your own, trust in Jehovah, the one who is giving direct guidance for the feeding of his people during these last days. Continue in the preaching work. Do not get distracted, as the day of the great tribulation draws near.
If you would like to get your first 3 issues of the new magazines today, please turn in your bibles at the information desk At the end of this meeting. Each magazine will also include a "suggested donation" amount discretely printed on the front cover. This cost helps to cover the cost of printing the glossy posters. This new feature is sure to delight your family, and all those who read our publications. What better way to show our love for Jehovah, than to proudly display this wonderful artwork on our walls at home. hang them by your dinner table, so you can gaze at them while you eat. we are confident that many interesting discussions will come from what you observe in these pictures.
ok so... now knowing how important it is not to "spill all the beans"... i am working secretly and cautiously on getting my mother out!.
i have started with some recon work:.
me: so mom, how did you come into the truth?.
Thank you for starting this thread. You are not alone, and I appreciate your sharing these details.
I have noticed that "Jehovah" is synonymous with "we" or the org, in all their literature, conversation and talks. At a meeting I recently visited, the speaker said how thankful they were to "Jehovah's writing department," for providing them with this information at the "perfect time." I guess they were supposed to have false information for 20+ years, before they could be ready for the truth as it stands today... ???
I recently read a comment about whether we even should be calling our heavenly Father by his first name. That struck me.
Where in the Bible does it say to call him that? I learned my dad's first name, when I was a small child. I have never called him by it. I will use the name Jehovah, when speaking with and trying to reach JW's, since it clicks a switch in their minds, but I really don't believe it is pleasing to God. The Jews didn't use the name for a reason, and isn't it possible that it was written in a way that is not pronounceable, so we won't say it out loud? I have always wondered why they just decided to take the best guess on the pronunciation and then form a whole religion behind the fact that they are calling the greatest god in the universe by his (incorrectly pronounced) first name... What reverence Does that show? Just my thoughts, but I've decided not to use that name in casual conversation anymore, out of respect.
We are here, cheering you on. Go slowly and keep yourself safe. Taking her dancing is a great idea.
i am looking for things i can say in passing, when i meet some of my jw friends.
we used to attend meetings, but have not been officially recognized yet, as apostates.
we were good and curious students, but fell away and were choked out by weeds.. since i will be renewing my bible student status soon, i am hoping this will open more windows into the organization.
Black sheep: quit being right all the time!
Im so glad to have this place to think out loud, before I actually open my big fat mouth. Thank you.
i am looking for things i can say in passing, when i meet some of my jw friends.
we used to attend meetings, but have not been officially recognized yet, as apostates.
we were good and curious students, but fell away and were choked out by weeds.. since i will be renewing my bible student status soon, i am hoping this will open more windows into the organization.
@Vidiot: that might be more effective than their current preaching efforts... Or at least it would make good mulch, after being shredded by the mower.
@Phizzy: I like how these are so simple, yet so profound... 1 & 2 especially. The love question is a good one, if you can get there... But they talk so much about love, I think they believe it is happening, even though they don't feel it. You forget how love really feels, if you sit in the KH long enough. Emotions are Too abstract, and require more compels thought... I guess that is what we are going for... So I see how the last 2 questions you raised could work, too.
@jgnat: I've actually had them tell me they miss us, but was not fully armed to respond in the past. I think I can now use a more appropriate response than, "I know. We have been praying for you all."
I like all of these questions and responses from you all. Thanks for the ideas. I want to go as simple as possible, try to find questions they have to answer from their own mind, not being able to find the answers in the bible or a wt publication.
I really don't see how truth can change, nor why they are not allowed to examine it. How do you justify that idea in your mind? That's where my husband and I got hung up and had to quit. The bell went off in our heads, and we realized we had just gone too far. I can see how easy it is to get trapped, since you honestly believe there is nowhere else to turn.
I'm also considering the question, "Do you believe it's dangerous to read the Bible, without the aid of the Watchtower?" is the watchtower inspired? Which would be a greater loss, if you had to live your life without the watchtower or without the bible?
I particularly like the questions that challenge the new light, and the definition of the F&DS. I know that is the core of their belief system: they are not allowed independent thought. Who declared them as the one channel from Jehovah God? Jesus did That in 1919? Have you read or studied what they were preaching during the years of 1914-1919? Can you review some of that information and help me understand it? Was that the truth, or is what they teach today actually the truth?
I think I'll just say, "I'm so confused. How can you begin to wrap your mind around the new things they believe today?" Do you honestly understand what you believe, or do you just go along with it to keep the peace?
i am looking for things i can say in passing, when i meet some of my jw friends.
we used to attend meetings, but have not been officially recognized yet, as apostates.
we were good and curious students, but fell away and were choked out by weeds.. since i will be renewing my bible student status soon, i am hoping this will open more windows into the organization.
I am looking for things I can say in passing, when I meet some of my JW friends. We used to attend meetings, but have not been officially recognized yet, as apostates. We were good and curious students, but fell away and were choked out by weeds.
Since i will be renewing my bible student status soon, I am hoping this will open more windows into the organization. I hope to use this opportunity to attempt to turn on some light switches in there.
Do you have any ideas for simple questions I can ask, with sincerity, that might cause someone I know or meet, to start thinking critically?
I am not looking to be a smart aleck, but my husband is one who enjoys "stumping" people. He used to love doing that with the JW's, especially...
I've also had a few people ask me this very question:
How do I help my friend? What do I say?
I live in a smallish community, with an active JW population. It seems that about half the people I know, have a JW that has touched their lives. I know I'm getting my hopes too high, but this new light seems like a beacon to me... A spotlight, before the next warning, and the air raid sirens going off... Time is running short for these victims.
i just joined this site after researching the recent 'new light" my daughter is an unbaptized witness, as well as her husband and my grandchildren.
i was baptized in the 80s but i am inactive for years now because of changes and inconsintancies etc.. .
if the sheep and the goats teaching has been changed to happen after the great tribultaion, or after armageddon then this would mean that everyone would not be seperated or judged until after armageddon has occured.
Hi Verenda!
I am new here also, and in a similar but different scenario, witnessing to JW's and hoping to eventually rescue my parents and sister, who rushed to get baptized a couple of years ago. My husband and I were bible students, who were never quite able to get past some big red flags.
Now I'm in a real pickle, since my sister started shunning me last fall, for "turning my back on Jehovah."
I was also struck by the new light, and have a renewed hope that this light will turn on some switches in my sister's brain, which has developed a shirt circuit. I'm learning right along with you, and you can read some of my experiences by looking at my posts. (Click my name and then the top of the page will show the option for viewing topics I have started and commented on).
You will find great support and information here. Keep asking, and don't be afraid of questions HERE. It is easy to say the "wrong" thing to a JW, who has been programmed to react involuntarily and unconsciously. Do read Steve Hassan's website, and look for those books about the BITE method. I think you will recognize many similarities between his examples and the JW "teaching" techniques. They are very good at what they do! www.freedomofmind.com
You should also be aware of the upcoming warnings they are publishing, preparing followers to "obey instructions that do not make sense from a human standpoint..." See the following link, for an examination of the November 15 Watchtower magazine, along with great analysis of other current issues in this organization. http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/close-ranks-against-satan-watchtower-prepares-witnesses-for-2014-disappointment
welcome and keep posting!
easily set up your free blog or website anonymously you can do multple ones with just a little effort .
make a comprehensive resource site or simply expound on your personal knowledge of a single issue .
your site/blog can even be just a list of links to news stories or other sites critical of watchtower .blogs are the easest .
Thanks for this list! I'm just getting started at this, although my mission was revealed to me about a year ago.
told my husband to put a muzzle on my mouth over the blood dogma.
we all were driving around in field service when the topic of "which fragments would you take if you were in a car accident or cut yourself badly".
said his choice is a personal one, another sister with chronic health problems said she had no problem with the governing body's new light on taking various fragments.
i have been waiting for this moment, and it has finally come!
i was actually in the middle of typing in the other thread, about householders who caused you doubts, when a jw rang my doorbell.
my barking german shepherd didnt scare him away, but did knock all his books out of his hand and onto a wet porch, which i really felt bad about.
Thanks, Robert. I like your advice and understanding. He was quoting that passage in Matthew 22, when he was at my door. I've updated my Bible. Gateway app, and will make myself more familiar with it. Ive been reading the freedomofmind.com website, and do plan to get the books mentioned, although possibly not in time for the first meeting.
Do you think I should agree to the bible teach book? Or just ask questions about current articles? i need to try to focus, or maybe should set a time limit with the excuse of an appointment or even have someone show up or call me at a set time To get me out of the situation.
I don't think he will be able to indoctrinate me. My husband is planning to be present also, so that will help focus the topic if it sways around in the JW habit of flipping thru the bible or a publication.