I'm getting a visit from the elders.........

Gadget

One of the things that bothered me about leaving the jws is that I was df'd before I found this site, so I haven't had a chance to let off steam about some of the things I've learn really went on, and ended up bottling it up a bit. However, I bumped into an old friend of mine a few weeks back through work who is now an elder and had an interesting chat. I made sure I was real friendly to him as he was very good to me when I was a witness, and he was visibly releived when I said I still had contact with my still jw family for 'necessary business', and they were not completely cutting me off anymore. I told him I still thought a lot about things, perhaps even more now than when I was still a witness, but had a few things that I problems understanding and that was why I gave up trying to be reinstated. At the time he said he would be willing to come and talk to me about them, but I said I didn't think there would be much point because I didn't think he would be able to provide a satisfactory answer to my questions, although if he and any other witnesses were ever in my area they were more than welcome to call in for a coffee and a chat.

He's just called, and arranged to call round one day next week with another elder whose name I didn't reconise, but apparently I'll know his face when I see him. I plan to start off asking about the worsening world situation, and how its so bad for Ian Huntley to kill 2 innocent 10yr old girls but absolutely brilliant for Jehovah to kill millions of innocent children at armegedon. And also why Jehovah has allowed things to go on so long and get so bad, the universal question of whether or not we need god to rule us has been answered in the bible when he changed the languages at the tower of Babel. I want to discuss the un issue too, and why it was ok for the wbts to have a political affiliation but not the brothers in Malawi. The peodophile issue should be interesting too, he knows how badly things are handled when left to the local elders because we were in the same hall and saw how things were handled in an incident in 1999, the CO had to be pulled off a visit to another hall and sent to mine to sort it all out. And thats before I dig through the new 'best of' topic to get more ideas, lol.

What do you think, am I mad to do this or do you think it'll be a good way for me to let out some of the anger thats been built up in me? I also need some advice on recording equipment. I have a very good minidisc recorder that would work, but would be unable to connect it to my computer to upload it. I was palnning on buying a webcam and microphone this week anyway, would it be possible to record/video the whole thing onto my harddrive, or even to have a live link for anyone who would be interested?

shera

Yes,it would be possible to record with the webca,.I can with the one I own.

Hope all goes well with you and yo get the anger out and contiune to heal.

*hugs*

jgnat

If you are going to record, warn them. Then, legally, everything will be on the up-and-up. Of course, they may not stay as long.

I can totally relate to the desire to say my piece, at least once, even if it falls on deaf ears. As long as you are realistic about the possible outcomes, go for it. For instance, it is very unlikely that your talk would convince the elders that they are wrong.

Gadget

As long as you are realistic about the possible outcomes, go for it. For instance, it is very unlikely that your talk would convince the elders that they are wrong.

I know that, this is more to help me be able to let go of things than to convince them, although I would like to think I could at least get them to think by asking something that they would have no answer for. And I'll make sure they've got a full cup of redhot coffee in their hands before I say anything so they can't just leave without making it totally obvious either.

kls

My only concern Gadget is that this could turn against you in that if you answer their questions in an un org manner ,you could be getting the title Apostate and be in line for Dissfellowshipping. If you have family in this could be really heartbreaking for you.

codeblue

Gadget, if you feel the need to talk to them, by all means do so!

In the last couple of years, I have learned to listen to my "gut feelings", when I do, things usually work for my best.

I hope the visit goes well for YOU.......(I loved the idea of you recording it, but as someone else said, you must let them know you are doing it. Of course, they may not stay but long enough to drink their coffee!!! lol)

Let us know it the visit goes.

Hugs,

Codeblue

Gadget

My only concern Gadget is that this could turn against you in that if you answer their questions in an un org manner ,you could be getting the title Apostate and be in line for Dissfellowshipping. If you have family in this could be really heartbreaking for you.

I'm already disfellowshipped, this is going to be one of the visits that elders make on df'd ones every year to see how they're doing..... And the members of my family who are still jw's know I'm apostate, when I said I wasn't going to get reinstated anymore I sent my jw ex-girlfriend a very comprehensive answer as to why, she sent it straight to the elders.

little witch

Gadget,

I am wondering if the elder didnt pick up on the fact that you are "questioning" and that they see this as a golden opportunity. In thier minds, there is a difference between an interested one and someone who is demanding real answers as to the jw dogma. They have a name for that as well.

I dont expect the visit will last long. They dont like getting an education ya know. lol.

I dont think you should do it, but that is just my opinion. Go with your heart and keep us up to date (snoopy one I am)

The reason I dont think you should do it is because I think you already know the answers. You are just trying to validate them. (Something this excursion will not solve).

Pardon my boldness, I do wish you well however that comes about. Just my two pennies worth.

kls

Gadget if you are already disfellowshipped and you know you no longer believe their BS why bother putting up with their persuasion of talk. You know what they will be trying to do and i for one could not take the pressure of their smiles with lies and deceit . My question when will it end ? If you meet with them will it ever stop ?

Valis

Ahoy mate! Hope you are well and Durham has recovered from my visit. Tell all the Prince's Bishops I said Oi!...Hmmm....gonna have a talk with them eh Paul? If I were you I would stick to things you can obviously prove. Some things like the Malawi issue aren't easily recognized and might take more explaining than it is worth IMO. So, from my simple viewpoint Paul here's how I would go about it.

1. Yes, give them the URL for the UN and tell them to go do thier own research, as you assume they are intelligent individuals.

2. Ask them to please explain how it is the Catholic church has openly apologized to thier parishoners about sexual abuse of kids in thier congregations, yet the Jehovahs Witnesses have never done so. Also ask them why when found negligent by the Canadian courts the JWs turned around and counter sued the plaintiff for court costs. Where is the acceptance of guilt and how could it be a loving thing for a Christian organization to do?

3. Your armageddon idea works just fine.

4. You might go back and use some of Ross' last talk to hammer home reasons for not wanting to or having the need to be a JW period.

About all I can add as I'm not a bible brain like some of our friends. BTW, I need your address mate, I've lost my info and I will soon have suprises for you and young master James. Cheers and I hope everything goes well.

Sincerely,

District Overbeer

I'm getting a visit from the elders.........

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