Hi everyone,
I had a very emotionally draining conversation over the phone with my mother yesterday. She is not a JW, she is a International Bible Student (Russelite). I have not got into such a deep conversation with her since I have been out of the Borg. I've always skirted and avoided it. You all know how easy it is to forget and get roped into one though. I called her to see how she and my father were doing (usual weekly check up call) and to see if she heard about the disaster with the Space Shuttle (which she didn't know about). After talking and trying to explain to her about what happened with the Shuttle we got onto War with Iraq and the unrest in Isreal. She believes in everything that Charles T. Russel ever wrote or stated. She and my Dad (an elder in his local KH here in Tn) never talk about religion, so, knowing I'm out, she always try's to "witness" to me when talking about such topics as "War with the Nations...ect."
She say's things like, "see..Isreal is close to becoming restored according to the scriptures"...I ask..."what scriptures Mom?"..."Well all the prophecies...you know?"...I say.."No Ma..I don't know, because what I was taught by the WTS is totally different from what you believe"...and she uses that to launch into questions like..."You believe Jesus was our saviour don't you, and don't you think God is going to bring Armaggedon soon, and don't you see that we are living in the Great Trbulation?"...on and on....wheeeehhh!
I always try to side-step my way through it until I can get the conversation back to a non-religeous topic. It's pretty frustating for me because what we were taught from the WTS and what Russel taught (before the "New Light and break-off occured) are TOTALLY on different ends of the spectrum. I have also been out of touch with Bible reading and have begun to forget alot of the JW doctrine, so I'm having a difficult time conversing with her on this subject, without getting frustrated. It's mentally draining to say the least!
I tried to tell her how I feel. I feel that no one knows what God will exactly do, or how he is going to do it, but hopefully will remove wickedness, sickness, and death in his own time. I feel that he will read the hearts of every individual, past or present, and will Judge on that basis. I feel that belonging to an organized religion is not all that is required to be saved from his judgement. It's what is in a person's heart, deep within him, that God will search and examine.
I told her that I do not feel right telling someone that what they believe in is wrong, she said.." you never did that.."...and I said..." Oh yes I did Mom, going from door-to-door with the literature from the WTS and saying the only way to salvation is through Jehovah's "organization", and saying that if your not in this organization you'll be destroyed at Armaggedon."...she then says..." well...yes...I suppose your right..but we have to be in either of two classes, both go to heaven but only one goes behind the veil as christs bride.." and I asked her " Isn't there anyone who will be on earth?" She say's " oh yes, those who were punished at Armaggedon and have hearts that are teachable among all mankind"...and I asked..." you mean JW's, Catholics, Mouslims...etc"..she say's "yes...thats right, and Isreal will become god's approved nation again." I've heard her go there before, and as many times as I hear it, I never seem to be amazed at how much it floors me.
She seems to only agree with me when I expose the wrong thinking of the WTS, like the peadophile issue, but if I try to get her to see the way I personally feel on doctrinal teaching, she starts "witnessing" about the bride class, and entering behind the veil...ect. I really try to be patient with her, and I never raise my voice or speak in an angry tone, it's always respectfull, it just WEARS me out.
It's hard to talk to her because she really doesn't know how to back up very much of what she say's. I've noticed that with alot of those in her group I've met in the past. Only a few of her "Older breathern" will show they have a deep background in the Bible. She usually sticks to one thing..."being in the bride class".
Does anyone else have experience with a close relative or close friend who belongs to the group my Mom does? Any suggestions will help. I kind of know what y'all will recommend.."Stay clear of religeous topics". I've always wondered if anyone else has similar circumstances, I haven't met anyone yet who has, but I haven't asked anyone here until now.