Brother -----------:
I am a long time servant of Jehovah, babtized in late teens. Being a spiritualy minded young man I applied to Bethel and was accepted. I served faithfully for 20 years in a variety of assignenments and meet many wonderfull people and had, what I thought, was the privilidge of supporting Christs Brothers. I developed a health problem that precluded me from carrying out my work assignments and left me physically weak. My condition persisted and it was timely recomended that I leave Bethel Service. I understood and was grateful for my time there. I was kindly taken by friends and over the course of several years recovered my health.
My situation though was difficult. I was in my late 40's and had no real world experience in the work force, no training to speak of, but I trusted in Jehovah. As my health improved I strongly desired to support myself as I felt I had already been a burden on the couple who had taken me in. I found employment as a janitor with a local brother. The physical work was tirering, given my condition, but satisfying. Over the course of the next ten years I regained much of my strength and continued to devote myself to serving Kingdom Interests. I was ultimatly able to serve as an Elder, a privledge I have enjoyed for almost 30 years. Despite the difficulties of old age and infirmities brought on by a life of physical labor I told myself it was all for Jehovahs Glory! But much has changed....
In the last few years I have begun to question much. In 1935 when I was born it was thought the end was imminent*. My parents believed I would never go to school in this System of Things. I reached out for organizational goals. Both of my parents died in this System, faithful to what they believed was the Jehovah God's Organization. I served twenty years at head quarters under the same ideal. Now I too have grown old, and have begun to doubt how near the end really is. Recent adjustments to our understanding of Jesus prophcey of 'this generation' ** have convinced me that my parents served, not Christ, but men and that I too have been deceived. It stretches the bounds of reason that Jesus was speaking of "overlapping" groups of anointed followers of Christ. Further, from my own experiences and personal interactions with former Presidents of the WTS I know they held no such understanding.
However the final blow, and what has prompted me into action, was the Annual Meeting this year. I was invited to attend, as I frequently have had the privledge to do so. In one of the talks it was put forth, those who have grown old in this system and begun to question the wisdom of Kingdom sService and forgoing secular jobs and opportunties were compared to the Isrealites who murmured in the wilderness.. Tears of bitterness welled up in my eyes at that! A life spent in whole souled service compared to those who were punished by Jehovah God for unfaithfulness! How dare they devalue the sacrifice of so many, including my parents, and so many dear friends who sacrificed the chance to have children or as in my case to even marry, all for the Kingdom..... Even now I struggle to maintain my composure. A life of sacrifice and denial reduced to regret and bitterness...
My nephew tells me that many former brothers and sisters long ago came to understand what I have only learned too late and are working to help others. He indicated that it may be useful to you and other to have copy of the new Kingdom Ministry School textbook. I am glad to provide mine to you. I can only hope the information will help others to avoid wasting their life in Service to unappreciative men rather the loving Jehovah God I still believe exsists and cares!
Thank you for taking the time to listen the incoherent ramblings of an old man. I trust you will do your utmost to make sure it is shared with all.
Your Brother in Christ
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
18 Unnecessary Deaths in Russia Because of Watchtower Erroneous Interpretation of The Bible
The refusal of medically indicated blood transfusions by Jehovah’s Witnesses sectarians resulted in the death of 18 patients, including eight children, according to an article on Thursday in Komsomolskaya Pravda (KP) citing examples of such deaths. Two criminal cases were opened concerning the deaths of children in such cases, the first was filed in Kogalym (in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug in Western Siberia), and a second was opened in October in Moscow. The mother of the child who died in Kogalym refuses to recognise any criminal responsibility in her action. “I wanted the best treatment for him! I told the doctors, ‘Blood isn’t medicine! Blood can be infected!’” KP quoted the mother as saying. After the institution of criminal proceedings in Kogalym, investigators from prokuratura raided the premises of the local JWs, they seized prohibited books, as the courts previously recognised some Jehovah’s Witnesses literature as extremist material for its attacks against other religions. The child’s mother tried to impose her rules on her eldest son, who is in school, citing her “parental rights”, but his teachers stood up for him against her, he’s a well-mannered boy, good at sports. As a result, his mother didn’t drag him to JW affairs and didn’t impose any of their religious taboos upon him. Under the article of the Criminal Code that she’s charged under, the mother could face a year in prison, but, more likely, she shall face a fine, instead.
28 October 2010
Interfax-Religion
source (in Russian): http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=37994
28 October 2010
Interfax-Religion
source (in Russian): http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=37994
The Faithful and Discrete Slave "Class" Has Been Fired By The Governing Body
Yes, that is right, they fired the Faithful Slave "Class". Who makes up the Faithful and Discrete Slave "Class"? Why the anointed do, of course. What has the Watchtower told the Jehovah's Witnesses about the anointed? That they have no special spiritual insight over and above the elders or any other Jehovah Witness. Yes, they are out of work. The Governing Body has all the insight they need right in Bethel- no outside ideas from the anointed are requested or accepted- even if you claim to be one of the Faithful and Discreet Slave "Class".
Heartbreaking Account Showing the Watchtower Breaks Up Families
http://www3.cantonrep.com/printable.php?ID=251095
Family splits over sons' military service; war conflicts with their beliefs
By CHARITA GOSHAY
CANTON - The Marine Corps Reserve 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines returned home from Iraq to the open arms of grateful family members.
Jason and Johel Woodliff had only each other.
The brothers say they were not greeted by their family upon their return on Oct. 6, because of religion.
The Woodliffs' parents are devout Jehovah's Witnesses, who oppose war and military service.
Graduates of Washington High School in Massillon, the Woodliffs said they had a strict upbringing based on their parents' faith, and that the real trouble began when they announced their intentions to become Marines.
"When they found out I wanted to join, they were very upset about it," said Johel, 20, who turned down a college scholarship to join the Marines in 2003.
"I let them know that as I grew older, I had done some research on the religion, and that it didn't abide with my beliefs."
Jason, 23, claims that when he informed his parents in 2004 that he too intended to join the Marines, he was asked to leave the house.
"I was 18 years old, living by myself in a trailer," he said. "I haven't had a conversation with my dad in five years. For him, it's 100 percent about the religion."
Though the Bible is filled with accounts of battles and war imagery, J.R. Brown, director of public information for the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, confirmed that Jehovah's Witnesses don't participate in military service based on their interpretation of Scripture, and that the actions of the Woodliffs' parents are consistent with the faith.
"As Christians, we're neutral with respect to the conflicts that nations have," he said. "Our neutrality is just in regards to conflicts of men. This doesn't mean we're adversaries. We try to (convey) that to the person as best we can, but because they're usually partisan, they think we're against them. That's not the case. We're truly neutral."
Brown noted that numerous U.S. court decisions have recognized members' right to neutrality.
"We're not be feared," Brown said, adding that the church is merely adhering to Jesus' admonition to, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God, the things that are God's."
disassociation
Brown acknowledged that family members who enter the military voluntarily, risk "disassociation."
"We as an organization or local congregation do not initiate this action," he explained. "Rather than 'disfellowship,' we use 'disassociation' as a term. That means the individual made a conscientious decision that he or she would no longer ascribe to the principles that we do. He or she has decided to take a side; the individual has left the position of 'neutral.' We look at disassociation as accepting the person's decision to take a side."
Given that the faith places a great deal of emphasis on the family, Brown concedes that others might see the policy as contradictory.
"It depends on how you look at your Christian responsibility," he said. "We look at our responsibility before God as our first and foremost responsibility. As our creator, he comes first. We feel our position of neutrality is based on our love for him. If a family member does not accept the same decision, we feel they have to bear the consequences. It pains us. We're human too."
Brown said members must prioritize their allegiances.
"You have to decide who's first in your life, is it God more than any human?" he said. "The fact is, we do not even put ourselves and our own interests ahead of God. He's our creator. Our allegiance is first to him. In making that decision, it does at times create problems within the family. Husbands, wives, parents can be torn; there's love there. But the apostle said we must obey God as ruler rather than man."
The brothers said that although they no longer embrace a particular faith, they believe in God and the Bible, adding that many Marines are deeply religious.
"There are Scriptures written all over Iraq," Johel said. "My favorite is John 15:13."
Attached to Johel's dog tags is a worn medallion of St. Michael, the warrior angel. He also carries a camouflage-paperback Bible.
"War shouldn't be necessary, but war has existed since the beginning of man," he said. "The Bible speaks of war constantly. King David was one of the greatest warriors. It shouldn't be a necessity, but it's a reality."
moral conflict?
The Rev. Wendy Bausman, a retired Navy chaplain and an associate pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church, ministered to Marines and sailors for 14 years.
"I didn't have a conflict serving in the military," she said. "But I was a non-combatant, which put me in different category. It would have been really challenging for me (in uniform), simply because of handling a weapon. I'm not comfortable with that."
Bausman said she did encounter service people who became conscientious objectors.
"The first person they go to outside their chain of command, is the chaplain," she explained. "A chaplain listens, counsels and writes a recommendation. They also must discern if the person is just trying to get out of the military, or it's something sincere."
She recalled one Marine who became an objector after joining a Mennonite church.
"It was really an honest introspection," she said. "He was struggling with the military once he became a Mennonite." unconditional love
The Woodliff brothers said they really didn't expect their parents to attend their homecoming.
"I begged my mother to come, but I knew she wouldn't," Johel said. "Several families know our situation and have taken us under their wing. My mom knows I'll always have love for her. I believe love is unconditional."
His brother is less forgiving.
"What's the most important thing in the Bible? Love and family," Jason asked.
"It's not like I blasphemed God or worshipped the devil. It's just ridiculous to me."
parents' reply
In a written statement, Thomas and Mia Woodliff respond: "We love our sons and are saddened that they have expressed public disappointment regarding what should be a private, family matter, that is, our choice not to attend the recent homecoming party for the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. As you know, we are Jehovah's Witnesses and are neutral as to the political and military affairs of the world. We base our beliefs on Scriptures such as John 17:14, 16, Matthew 5:43, 44 and Matthew 26:52 among others. This means we are neither for nor against the political involvements of the 200-plus nations that we can be found in. This does not mean that we do not love the land in which we live, or that we disrespect the government or those in authority. We recognize that each nations ruling authority has the right to enact and enforce laws, make foreign policy and to purse its own sovereign interests. We simply choose not to participate.
"However, we are generally known as exemplary taxpayers and citizens and we try to follow the laws of the land to the extent that our Bible-trained conscience will individually permit. Which leads us to the main point of our statement. Our two sons were taught to be peace-loving followers of Jesus Christ. Instead, they have chosen a different path. We respect their right to chose whatever lifestyle they wish. And we hope one day for reconciliation so that we can be a united family again. We have many fond memories of the abundant good times we shared together. In the meantime, please be assured that the current difference in point of view, and the separation in ties that has occurred as a result, does not mean that we love our children less." (Love? They are willing to forsake their children because of some man's interpretation of scripture.)
These poor people are deluded into thinking that their stance is neutral. If it were neutral they would not care one way or the other. No, they have taken a stand. A stand that is against war. Because of this sick religion they will not aloow their childreen the same freedom without repercussions set down by old men in Brooklyn.
Family splits over sons' military service; war conflicts with their beliefs
By CHARITA GOSHAY
CANTON - The Marine Corps Reserve 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines returned home from Iraq to the open arms of grateful family members.
Jason and Johel Woodliff had only each other.
The brothers say they were not greeted by their family upon their return on Oct. 6, because of religion.
The Woodliffs' parents are devout Jehovah's Witnesses, who oppose war and military service.
Graduates of Washington High School in Massillon, the Woodliffs said they had a strict upbringing based on their parents' faith, and that the real trouble began when they announced their intentions to become Marines.
"When they found out I wanted to join, they were very upset about it," said Johel, 20, who turned down a college scholarship to join the Marines in 2003.
"I let them know that as I grew older, I had done some research on the religion, and that it didn't abide with my beliefs."
Jason, 23, claims that when he informed his parents in 2004 that he too intended to join the Marines, he was asked to leave the house.
"I was 18 years old, living by myself in a trailer," he said. "I haven't had a conversation with my dad in five years. For him, it's 100 percent about the religion."
Though the Bible is filled with accounts of battles and war imagery, J.R. Brown, director of public information for the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, confirmed that Jehovah's Witnesses don't participate in military service based on their interpretation of Scripture, and that the actions of the Woodliffs' parents are consistent with the faith.
"As Christians, we're neutral with respect to the conflicts that nations have," he said. "Our neutrality is just in regards to conflicts of men. This doesn't mean we're adversaries. We try to (convey) that to the person as best we can, but because they're usually partisan, they think we're against them. That's not the case. We're truly neutral."
Brown noted that numerous U.S. court decisions have recognized members' right to neutrality.
"We're not be feared," Brown said, adding that the church is merely adhering to Jesus' admonition to, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God, the things that are God's."
disassociation
Brown acknowledged that family members who enter the military voluntarily, risk "disassociation."
"We as an organization or local congregation do not initiate this action," he explained. "Rather than 'disfellowship,' we use 'disassociation' as a term. That means the individual made a conscientious decision that he or she would no longer ascribe to the principles that we do. He or she has decided to take a side; the individual has left the position of 'neutral.' We look at disassociation as accepting the person's decision to take a side."
Given that the faith places a great deal of emphasis on the family, Brown concedes that others might see the policy as contradictory.
"It depends on how you look at your Christian responsibility," he said. "We look at our responsibility before God as our first and foremost responsibility. As our creator, he comes first. We feel our position of neutrality is based on our love for him. If a family member does not accept the same decision, we feel they have to bear the consequences. It pains us. We're human too."
Brown said members must prioritize their allegiances.
"You have to decide who's first in your life, is it God more than any human?" he said. "The fact is, we do not even put ourselves and our own interests ahead of God. He's our creator. Our allegiance is first to him. In making that decision, it does at times create problems within the family. Husbands, wives, parents can be torn; there's love there. But the apostle said we must obey God as ruler rather than man."
The brothers said that although they no longer embrace a particular faith, they believe in God and the Bible, adding that many Marines are deeply religious.
"There are Scriptures written all over Iraq," Johel said. "My favorite is John 15:13."
Attached to Johel's dog tags is a worn medallion of St. Michael, the warrior angel. He also carries a camouflage-paperback Bible.
"War shouldn't be necessary, but war has existed since the beginning of man," he said. "The Bible speaks of war constantly. King David was one of the greatest warriors. It shouldn't be a necessity, but it's a reality."
moral conflict?
The Rev. Wendy Bausman, a retired Navy chaplain and an associate pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church, ministered to Marines and sailors for 14 years.
"I didn't have a conflict serving in the military," she said. "But I was a non-combatant, which put me in different category. It would have been really challenging for me (in uniform), simply because of handling a weapon. I'm not comfortable with that."
Bausman said she did encounter service people who became conscientious objectors.
"The first person they go to outside their chain of command, is the chaplain," she explained. "A chaplain listens, counsels and writes a recommendation. They also must discern if the person is just trying to get out of the military, or it's something sincere."
She recalled one Marine who became an objector after joining a Mennonite church.
"It was really an honest introspection," she said. "He was struggling with the military once he became a Mennonite." unconditional love
The Woodliff brothers said they really didn't expect their parents to attend their homecoming.
"I begged my mother to come, but I knew she wouldn't," Johel said. "Several families know our situation and have taken us under their wing. My mom knows I'll always have love for her. I believe love is unconditional."
His brother is less forgiving.
"What's the most important thing in the Bible? Love and family," Jason asked.
"It's not like I blasphemed God or worshipped the devil. It's just ridiculous to me."
parents' reply
In a written statement, Thomas and Mia Woodliff respond: "We love our sons and are saddened that they have expressed public disappointment regarding what should be a private, family matter, that is, our choice not to attend the recent homecoming party for the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. As you know, we are Jehovah's Witnesses and are neutral as to the political and military affairs of the world. We base our beliefs on Scriptures such as John 17:14, 16, Matthew 5:43, 44 and Matthew 26:52 among others. This means we are neither for nor against the political involvements of the 200-plus nations that we can be found in. This does not mean that we do not love the land in which we live, or that we disrespect the government or those in authority. We recognize that each nations ruling authority has the right to enact and enforce laws, make foreign policy and to purse its own sovereign interests. We simply choose not to participate.
"However, we are generally known as exemplary taxpayers and citizens and we try to follow the laws of the land to the extent that our Bible-trained conscience will individually permit. Which leads us to the main point of our statement. Our two sons were taught to be peace-loving followers of Jesus Christ. Instead, they have chosen a different path. We respect their right to chose whatever lifestyle they wish. And we hope one day for reconciliation so that we can be a united family again. We have many fond memories of the abundant good times we shared together. In the meantime, please be assured that the current difference in point of view, and the separation in ties that has occurred as a result, does not mean that we love our children less." (Love? They are willing to forsake their children because of some man's interpretation of scripture.)
These poor people are deluded into thinking that their stance is neutral. If it were neutral they would not care one way or the other. No, they have taken a stand. A stand that is against war. Because of this sick religion they will not aloow their childreen the same freedom without repercussions set down by old men in Brooklyn.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Oct. 15th Watchtower Tells The Witnesses Not To Trust your Own Viewpoint.
In this magazine you'll observe the society REALLY making Jehovah's Witnesses question themselves, doubt themselves. Even if they are observing the organization doing something questionable, they are NOT to doubt Jehovah or the organization, but their own imperfect human judgments. In other words : " Don't trust your own mind - it's skewed ".
Under the article titled, " Keep on Seeking first his Righteousness " on pg.8 it lays the groundwork in stating, " Seeking His righteousness includes trying to live according to His values, and perfect standards, NOT OUR OWN. It is not a matter of obeying His laws out of FEAR of punishment. (Yeah right) Rather, our love for God motivates us to endeavor to please Him by upholding His standards, NOT establishing our own . " What they are really saying is that we should obey without question whatever the organization tells us to do. After all, they have taken the role of Jesus Christ in the lives of the witnesses.
It continues in paragraph 8,9 : " We need to remember, though, that if we question the fairness or rightness of Jehovah's decisions (substitute the society's decisions) , we are, in effect, starting to put OUR standard of righteousness above Jehovah's (Watchtower society's) standard. It is as if we put Jehovah (society) on trial and judged Him by our own standards of right and wrong. Jehovah (society) is the one who has the right to set the standard for righteousness, not us ! " It continues, "Our IMPERFECT nature can lead us down this path. This can easily happen when we see something that WE view as unfair or if we PERSONALLY suffer hardship. " Translation : If you suffer hardships it's only YOUR OWN fault - not the organization or Jehovah.
The next part is really weird. In the midst of an ensuing paragraph JUSTIFYING Jehovah forgiving King David & Bath Sheba's adulltery & David 's murdering her husband check THIS quote out, Under the subheading : " Our viewpoint May be Distorted or Limited " it states, " The second factor to remember when we are faced with a situation that APPEARS to be unfair is that OUR VIEWPOINT MAY BE DISTORTED OR LIMITED. It can be distorted by imperfection, prejudice, or cultural background. It is also limited by our inability to discern motives and to know what is really in people's hearts. In contrast, both Jehovah and Jesus have no such limitations. " Translation : You are imperfect , stupid idiots who allow prejudice sin, and your varied backgrounds to distort you. You are dirt. As dumb as rocks. Trust us the WT society and God- you can NEVER trust yourself !
It concludes by stating, " So if at times we see something that WE FEEL is unfair on Jehovah's part ( WT society's part ) whether we read it in the Bible account or experience it in OUR PERSONAL life - let us NEVER judge God ( WT society ) by our own standards of righteousness. Remember that we do NOT always have all the facts and that our viewpoint may be DISTORTED or LIMITED. " I want to get sick.
Once again the society makes it's members feel they CANNOT trust their own minds, heart, or judgment on ANYTHING that differs or seems unjust within the organization. It is a way to make members feel GUILTY and in FEAR if, in fact, they DO find themselves having doubts. If there is any doubt by anybody that this isn't a dangerous mind control organization, I think this article removes that doubt.
So even though the organization has been wrong so many times and has had to revised their publications many times to correct their mistakes, we have to trust everything they say without question because they are supposed to be spealing for God. How presumptuous. How frightening.
Under the article titled, " Keep on Seeking first his Righteousness " on pg.8 it lays the groundwork in stating, " Seeking His righteousness includes trying to live according to His values, and perfect standards, NOT OUR OWN. It is not a matter of obeying His laws out of FEAR of punishment. (Yeah right) Rather, our love for God motivates us to endeavor to please Him by upholding His standards, NOT establishing our own . " What they are really saying is that we should obey without question whatever the organization tells us to do. After all, they have taken the role of Jesus Christ in the lives of the witnesses.
It continues in paragraph 8,9 : " We need to remember, though, that if we question the fairness or rightness of Jehovah's decisions (substitute the society's decisions) , we are, in effect, starting to put OUR standard of righteousness above Jehovah's (Watchtower society's) standard. It is as if we put Jehovah (society) on trial and judged Him by our own standards of right and wrong. Jehovah (society) is the one who has the right to set the standard for righteousness, not us ! " It continues, "Our IMPERFECT nature can lead us down this path. This can easily happen when we see something that WE view as unfair or if we PERSONALLY suffer hardship. " Translation : If you suffer hardships it's only YOUR OWN fault - not the organization or Jehovah.
The next part is really weird. In the midst of an ensuing paragraph JUSTIFYING Jehovah forgiving King David & Bath Sheba's adulltery & David 's murdering her husband check THIS quote out, Under the subheading : " Our viewpoint May be Distorted or Limited " it states, " The second factor to remember when we are faced with a situation that APPEARS to be unfair is that OUR VIEWPOINT MAY BE DISTORTED OR LIMITED. It can be distorted by imperfection, prejudice, or cultural background. It is also limited by our inability to discern motives and to know what is really in people's hearts. In contrast, both Jehovah and Jesus have no such limitations. " Translation : You are imperfect , stupid idiots who allow prejudice sin, and your varied backgrounds to distort you. You are dirt. As dumb as rocks. Trust us the WT society and God- you can NEVER trust yourself !
It concludes by stating, " So if at times we see something that WE FEEL is unfair on Jehovah's part ( WT society's part ) whether we read it in the Bible account or experience it in OUR PERSONAL life - let us NEVER judge God ( WT society ) by our own standards of righteousness. Remember that we do NOT always have all the facts and that our viewpoint may be DISTORTED or LIMITED. " I want to get sick.
Once again the society makes it's members feel they CANNOT trust their own minds, heart, or judgment on ANYTHING that differs or seems unjust within the organization. It is a way to make members feel GUILTY and in FEAR if, in fact, they DO find themselves having doubts. If there is any doubt by anybody that this isn't a dangerous mind control organization, I think this article removes that doubt.
So even though the organization has been wrong so many times and has had to revised their publications many times to correct their mistakes, we have to trust everything they say without question because they are supposed to be spealing for God. How presumptuous. How frightening.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Annointed Disassociates Himself After 33 Years As A Jehovah's Witness
Early this year I requested disassociation from the org and have been meaning to publish some sort of statement. I was a member for over 33 years and partook of the emblems. Being an older widow it took some deliberation and guts to make the move but am currently very happy with the change. My exit contemplation actually began in 2006 with the examination of WTS chronology and wonderment why they are about the only organization on planet earth that claims 607 was the historic date for the destruction and burning of Jerusalem. It is well proven that 587 or close to that date is the historic fact. In the process I developed my own chronology which was great fun and submitted it to the brothers in the Writing Committee. After about 2 months they responded with a very polite correspondence suggesting I should "wait on the Faithful and Discrete Slave" for any changes but they made no effort at rebuttal of my facts. Of course I knew all about Carl Olof Jonsson's efforts and that they were well informed of the truth already. In fact they have known since 1906 if I am to believe the old WT volumes - so waiting any longer obviously ridiculous. The other humorous factor is I am (or was) considered part of the "faithful and discrete slave class" per their definition. Of course we know it is "only" the Governing Body but they don't put that in print so I found the response even more humorous since I would be waiting upon "myself." Enough for that subject. I would love to share the chronology if anyone has an interest - the Bible itself proves the point quite adequately in my opinion.
But for now I thought you might enjoy a short composition I prepared to explain my reasons for leaving - and if you think it worthy you may share with others though I haven't decided whether it is best to remain anonymous for such a contribution or use my "real name" - probably just list as "contributed" like WTS does - LOL. I'm still showing their influence in my actions. But it is the subject and not the person that is of value here.
10 Reasons to Leave
(Based on the same reasoning as found in the famous poem)
Children Learn What They Live
1) If an organization focuses much of its attention
on condemnation of other groups
it is teaching its members
to become judgmental of one another
2) If an organization is hostile to those outside itself
with differing opinions
its members may become contentious
among themselves, forming cliques of their own
3) If an organization focuses on persecution as proof
of their genuineness
its members may develop self-pity,
the martyrdom complex
4) If an organization is inflexible, rigid, and dogmatic,
creating myriads of rules,
its members become stubborn, defiant, authoritarian
crossing "t's" and dotting "i's" but losing the Spirit
5) If an organization is domineering and controlling
its members themselves will lack
mercy and kindness, empathy and understanding.
In short they will lack love for one another.
6) If an organization continually prods, pushes, and goads
its members to increase their commitment and service,
its members are being taught
to focus on works and achievement
7) If an organization uses guilt as a motivator,
its members may withdraw into protective shells
and joyous participation disappears
8) If an organization claims itself to be the "faithful and wise servant"
its members become self-righteous,
hoping for glory and exaltation of men
9) If an organization elevates itself
claiming to be the sole channel of God and truth,
its members themselves
may become proud and arrogant.
10) If an organization practices deceit,
its members will become guilty themselves of spiritism
People are often attracted to an authoritarian religion
Because of a lack of inner security, a feeling of powerlessness
Their need for structure and dogmatic certainty may be very high.
Principle-centered living will elude them.
They will seek their identity in works and prestige.
They may feel insignificant and easily become vulnerable to depression.
It is not unusual to see them lose balance and good sense,
Putting family or other priorities aside, even personal health needs,
Assuming all will understand they must be about God's work.
Once their emotional worth comes from their group affiliation,
They become incapable of an objective search for truth.
They lose their freedom or capacity to make independent decisions,
Become enslaved, a form of idolatry,
Restricted by attitudes, behavior and actions of others,
Ruled by fear rather than love.
Cognitive dissonance may result,
Inner compulsiveness, even immorality functioning as relief valves,
On rare occasions even the development of insanity.
But for now I thought you might enjoy a short composition I prepared to explain my reasons for leaving - and if you think it worthy you may share with others though I haven't decided whether it is best to remain anonymous for such a contribution or use my "real name" - probably just list as "contributed" like WTS does - LOL. I'm still showing their influence in my actions. But it is the subject and not the person that is of value here.
10 Reasons to Leave
(Based on the same reasoning as found in the famous poem)
Children Learn What They Live
1) If an organization focuses much of its attention
on condemnation of other groups
it is teaching its members
to become judgmental of one another
2) If an organization is hostile to those outside itself
with differing opinions
its members may become contentious
among themselves, forming cliques of their own
3) If an organization focuses on persecution as proof
of their genuineness
its members may develop self-pity,
the martyrdom complex
4) If an organization is inflexible, rigid, and dogmatic,
creating myriads of rules,
its members become stubborn, defiant, authoritarian
crossing "t's" and dotting "i's" but losing the Spirit
5) If an organization is domineering and controlling
its members themselves will lack
mercy and kindness, empathy and understanding.
In short they will lack love for one another.
6) If an organization continually prods, pushes, and goads
its members to increase their commitment and service,
its members are being taught
to focus on works and achievement
7) If an organization uses guilt as a motivator,
its members may withdraw into protective shells
and joyous participation disappears
8) If an organization claims itself to be the "faithful and wise servant"
its members become self-righteous,
hoping for glory and exaltation of men
9) If an organization elevates itself
claiming to be the sole channel of God and truth,
its members themselves
may become proud and arrogant.
10) If an organization practices deceit,
its members will become guilty themselves of spiritism
People are often attracted to an authoritarian religion
Because of a lack of inner security, a feeling of powerlessness
Their need for structure and dogmatic certainty may be very high.
Principle-centered living will elude them.
They will seek their identity in works and prestige.
They may feel insignificant and easily become vulnerable to depression.
It is not unusual to see them lose balance and good sense,
Putting family or other priorities aside, even personal health needs,
Assuming all will understand they must be about God's work.
Once their emotional worth comes from their group affiliation,
They become incapable of an objective search for truth.
They lose their freedom or capacity to make independent decisions,
Become enslaved, a form of idolatry,
Restricted by attitudes, behavior and actions of others,
Ruled by fear rather than love.
Cognitive dissonance may result,
Inner compulsiveness, even immorality functioning as relief valves,
On rare occasions even the development of insanity.
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Jehovah's Witnesses Redefine Irony
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/198477/1/PZ-Myers-mocks-Latest-Awake
Biologist and science blogger PZ Myers has commented on the upcoming Awake magazine in today's blog at Pharyngula.
You can now download the latest issue of Awake, the Jehovah's Witness's strange little magazine. The theme of this issue is those marching militant atheists, so it's a little bit personal.
"Unfortunately, I was only able to read as far as the second sentence before I was blinded by the irony." - PZ
A new group of atheists has arisen in society. Called the new atheists, they are not content to keep their views to themselves - Awake
A new group of atheists has arisen in society. Called the new atheists, they are not content to keep their views to themselves.
That's right. The door-knockin', rabidly proselytizing cult is rebuking atheists for not keeping their views to themselves.
I guess that's fair. Twice now I've watched in anticipation as the local JWs do their thing, working their way up the street, only to see them look at my house, check a piece of paper they carried with them, and turn around to leave. There was also a third time when a couple actually knocked on my door, started their little spiel, and I interrupted them to tell them I was an atheist, would they like to come in and talk about freedom from religion? And they ran away.
So it's true, I suppose, that they do have limits on the expression of their views.
Biologist and science blogger PZ Myers has commented on the upcoming Awake magazine in today's blog at Pharyngula.
You can now download the latest issue of Awake, the Jehovah's Witness's strange little magazine. The theme of this issue is those marching militant atheists, so it's a little bit personal.
"Unfortunately, I was only able to read as far as the second sentence before I was blinded by the irony." - PZ
A new group of atheists has arisen in society. Called the new atheists, they are not content to keep their views to themselves - Awake
A new group of atheists has arisen in society. Called the new atheists, they are not content to keep their views to themselves.
That's right. The door-knockin', rabidly proselytizing cult is rebuking atheists for not keeping their views to themselves.
I guess that's fair. Twice now I've watched in anticipation as the local JWs do their thing, working their way up the street, only to see them look at my house, check a piece of paper they carried with them, and turn around to leave. There was also a third time when a couple actually knocked on my door, started their little spiel, and I interrupted them to tell them I was an atheist, would they like to come in and talk about freedom from religion? And they ran away.
So it's true, I suppose, that they do have limits on the expression of their views.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)