Dear Randy, 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. This last section borrows freely from many sources, Stephen Covey, Don Cameron, and others but was my effort at trying to condense the principles. All the best to you Randy. I love your site and its wide array of info.
Letter from an anointed reader who DA'd after 33 years
by Dogpatch 42 Replies latest jw friends
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BluesBrother
Brilliant ! .....
I do not wish to patronize, but she shows a remarkable open and inquiring mind , for one describing herself as an "older widow"
Go for it sister....enjoy the rest of your life !
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Designer Stubble
Takes courage! The numbers are "deep diving" if you ask me.
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mrsjones5
His "10 Reasons To Leave" is wonderful and so true.
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wasblind
i gotta print this and put it on the fridge
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White Dove
Probably free to be now that she's no longer under the headship arrangement.
-Whitedove's Egg
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wannabefree
Thanks for sharing "contributor" and Randy. Encouraging.
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AnnOMaly
In fact they have known since 1906 if I am to believe the old WT volumes - so waiting any longer obviously ridiculous.
That's what gets to me too. The Society has known from Russell's time that 607/606 as the date for Jerusalem's destruction was wrong - or at least very shaky. Then I think of Rev. 14:5 being applied to the 144,000 - "and no falsehood was found in their mouths; they are without blemish" and I think 'Hmm.'
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."
That is funny!
Brava for her courage, by the way.
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miseryloveselders
Good letter. I find it fascinating the diversity of ones who are looking for the door. For the most part its younger ones, but theres enough discontent to go around with all sorts of demographics, as evident by this letter.
I particulary liked point number 4.
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 It reminds me of one of the publications the WTS printed that I actually like, "Draw Close to Jehovah." On page 204-205, paragraphs 14, and particulary 15 they pretty much talk about themselves. They compare wordly organizations to heavy and rigid machinery such as a supertanker or freight train. Then they go on to say, "that because of pride, men often refuse to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Such rigidity has bankrupted corporations and even toppled goverments. How happy we can be that neither Jehovah nor his organization is anything like that!" Maybe the organization is prophetic, self-prophetic at least. Whether its long term, or short, the writing is on the wall IMO.