I`ve never yet been snubbed by a JW. The reason is that I refuse point blank to speak to them unless they speak to me first. So, if I`m visiting my JW mum and JW visitors arrive – which they often do – I just smile, raise one eyebrow slightly, and look `em straight in the eye!

Now, according to the WT, I am extremely ill-mannered because I don`t make myself scarce. Well, that`s their problem, and as I believe DF`ing to be a dreadful travesty of justice, why should I `enable` them in their shameful `sending to Coventry` of those who`s beliefs are not in line with their own?

This “smile but don`t speak” ritual of mine lobs the ball right back into their court, so the embarrassed dub will eventually crack and start a conversation of sorts. He who speaks first loses!

However, one not very pleasant part of this charade is that the discomfited dub eventually feels impelled to make some sort of comment that will reflect your cast-out condition. The comment is usually this: ” Do you think that you might turn back to Jehovah one day, perhaps?”

Now this is a hell of a loaded question that is guaranteed to infuriate an ex-dub! The implication is, of course, that by ceasing to associate with JW`s, that you have “turned your back on Jehovah” and therefore you must “make your way back” as you are, at this point in time, little more than a carob-pod eater.

I used to reply that "it has nothing to do with Jehovah and it has everything to do with Brooklyn". But, although it sounds pretty glib to me, it does not have much impact on the average imprinted dub.

So, how would you reply to the question? Bear in mind that you will only be able to say one or two lines before the old eyes glaze over as the WT defensive closed mindedness kicks in.

How do you reply to being asked: ”Do you think that you might turn back to Jehovah one day, perhaps?”

Englishman

englishman-great question. i was told iwas turning my back on jehovah before i was ever DF'ed. if i was asked this question now, i think i would have to say that i try to live, treat others right, and search for the real "truth" about everything. this will always be my endeavor and if that is turning my back on jehovah in their eyes-well then, they are the ones that will have to live with it, because it brings me no guilt.

Dear Englishman,
You might just want to appear incredulous that they would even ask such a personal question with a reply such as "Excuse me?" or "huh?" then letting them backpeddle or pursue a question you have expressed disapproval of.

After all, you do not have to defend yourself to anyone. You may want to add "That's personal." And it truly is none of their business and a loaded question to boot because it presupposes you HAVE left God because of leaving the org. In the same ilk as "have you stopped beating your wife?"

Btw, what does "borg" mean?

Unanswered,

I thought your answer was great!

Englishman.

too kind, englishman-in the future i'll try to use actual reading skills when i look at your posts:) i always find them interesting

i would take the socratic method of teaching and reply with a question:

How do blind people know when they are done wiping?

CHUCK

I was invited last year, that is early december, by someone working my street and whom I couldn't avoid, to join him for some good old door banging. I hadn't seen this guy for more than a year. Not giving me a chance to answer his question at all it was immediately followed by "So when is convenient for you?"

I said "well, this year I'm waaay to busy." Silence, accompanied by a kind of half understanding grimace. "And I guess that will be the same for the next five years or so."

Edited by - cynicus on 23 March 2001 21:22:15

Englishman,

The last two elders that came to my door got quite a shock. I let 'em have it with both barrels. I pulled no punches when they asked when I'd return to Jehovah. MAN, you should've seen the twisted grimaces and winces on their faces when I told them why I wouldn't return! They stood there for a full hour while I told them every dirty stinking WT secret. They were silent and dumbstruck. The only thing the one elder(a lawyer) could muster was; "I'll look into that and get back to you. You know, I'm trained to do lots of study." Yeah, right. That was three years ago. They've never been back.

TR

I hate this question because in their minds, they are assuming you have left Jehovah. I always reply that I still have a love for him, still believe in him and still read the Bible.

I think JAVA's reply was best :

That should shut them up.

My reply is short: much along the lines of Expatbrit's.

I usually clarify what they're asking by saying:

"You mean return to the organization?"

They look confused a moment, then usually nod.

Then, I say "No."

They always look totally unravelled by the simplicity and finality of the statement.

Then they make themselves scarce!

Great post as always Englishman.

*hugs*
Essie

The Four Agreements:
Be Impeccable With Your Word
Don't Take Anything Personally
Don't Make Assumptions
Always Do Your Best