Do You Think That You Might Turn Back To Jehovah?

by Englishman 36 Replies latest jw friends

  • Englishman
    Englishman

    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

  • Simon
    Simon

    Good question Englishman.
    I haven't really seen any since we left. My wife saw an elders wife working in the local Supermarket but didnt give her the chance to ignore her. I would have made an effort to get her to serve me so that I could complain about her if she wouldn't (am I evil or what?!).
    I haven't seen my parents or sisters since I was DA'd so it hasn't come up with them.
    The elders at the committee meeting asked me the question but I can't remember what I said (have to play the tape back ).
    I think a dissmisive laugh and "there's absolutely nothing I miss about that shower" is probably best. They WANT you to miss them...I want them to know that there is nothing to miss.

  • unanswered
    unanswered

    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.

  • JAVA
    JAVA

    Englishman,

    This comes to mind: "Yes, I returned to Jehovah when I stopped worshipping the Watchtower Society. It's wonderful having a personal relationship with God--I didn't have that as a Witnesses."

    As an Agnostic, that's the best reply I can think of before their eyes glaze into a TowerThink trance.

    --JAVA, counting time at the Coffee Shop

    Edited by - JAVA on 23 March 2001 15:10:5

  • patio34
    patio34

    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
    unanswered

    god, i feel stupid, i completely misread your question. as to the question you actually asked:), i would just say that i never turned away.

  • Englishman
    Englishman

    Unanswered,

    I thought your answer was great!

    Englishman.

  • RedhorseWoman
    RedhorseWoman

    Being inactive, I've never experienced this. I've run into JWs from time to time, but they usually (if they ask at all) ask when I might return to the Hall. I guess being inactive means you're still okay with Jehovah....sort of.

    Btw, what does "borg" mean?

    It stands for Brooklyn Organization. It is also analagous to the Borg of Star Trek fame.

  • unanswered
    unanswered

    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

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

    No.

    Expatbrit

    Can't believe I had to edit this reply!

    Edited by - expatbrit on 23 March 2001 15:23:17

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