by choosing life 37 Replies latest jw friends
How many here have been asked the loyalty question by an elder. I am referring to, "Do you believe that Jehovah is using the faithful and discreet slave class to accomplish his work?" Or something along this line?
How did you answer that question? Did you just lie outright or try to create some wiggle room?
Ha! I got that question but more about using an organization the other day..... I used GaryBuss's suggestion "I agree with the Watchtower on that.", I didn't get asked which WT or if it was ZWT...... of course I was thinking about that organization is wholly unnecessary and that religion is a racket and snare". Which is what they said about other organizations who claim to be of God or speaking in God's name!
http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/7/163176/3021050/post.ashx#3021050
So it wasn't a lie, but rather like Ciro Aulicino.... a half truth.... of which they were 'entitled'.
Do you believe that Jehovah is using the faithful and discreet slave class to accomplish his work?"
I believe this sort of questioning came along after I started to fade. I can't imagine the elders I was associated with ever asking me this question.
Back in 1988 an elder who was investigating my membership status in the congregation, as I hadn't attended meetings in over 3 years asked me if I believed that God was using the Faithful and Discreet Slave as his channel of communication, or something like that. He was trying to get me to DA myself so I knew that if I answered "no," he would consider that as an act of disasscociation. Instead I chose not to answer his question by saying that I was under a lot of emotional stress right now and couldn't properly give him a reply to his question. So he dropped it for the time being. However, a year later they announced to the congregation that the JC had determined that I had Disassociated myself.
They were asking this type of question as far back as the early 1980s. I had been inactive for a while and my uncle showed up one day with a man who I now believe must have been the CO. The CO did ask me if I believed the organization was the Truth. At the time I had not even really thought that much about it (I just knew I didn't like the threats of DF, etc.) Somehow I managed to not be too specific so they left.
Just last year I had a visit from a PO. He was out in service handing out WTs. We got into a discussion about pedofiles in the organization. After a few minutes he asked me if I believed the WTS was the Truth. I just laughed at him and said, "That's what elders ask when they are trying to DF you." He dropped it and soon left.
Interesting question. My Baptismal Vows didn't mention that ...
I guess a "1950's Witness" isn't isn't made the way they make them today
My answer would be a non-committal "Interesting...". That's my story and I'm sticking to it. They'd have to nail me on disrespect for not answering JT's Cheese and Cracker men with no real authority.
Mustang
I ask them questions like, can we be assured that the end is comming when ever the WTS says it will? Then give a few dates that the oldtimers supported that didn't happen.
Then ask questions about your heart condition that God is going to judge you by. What determines your heart condition, DNA, upbringing, what you have expierenced in life, a personal decision or what?
Gets them thinking.
Ken
I was an expecting a question along those lines, so I was ready to say a big 'of course!' with wide-open eyes. I wasn't up to walking away at that point. If they have two witnesses to an answer besides that, to that question, you're out.
Yes, got asked this about a week or so ago at an un-announced shepherding visit. I answered: "They don't APPEAR to have any special insight". Yes, being a bit wiggly I suppose. Switch doesn't really want to be DF/DA.
Thanks for all your answers. I have been asked this question by an elder a few years back. There was only one elder, so I knew they didn't have their two witnesses. I also knew it was the question they used to try to claim that someone disassociated themselves.
Because of only having one elder there, I knew I had some wiggle room. I still wanted to be left alone, so I turned the question back on him. I acted shocked and asked if he asked because HE didn't believe it was true. He recoiled from the thought and that was the end of the conversation.
I am glad I had made the rule that I would only talk to one person at a time. I refused any visits by two elders. Now, I just refuse any visits. They still try to catch me working in yard and will use that as an excuse to stop by and talk. I will talk to them about everyday things, but that's it. My own thoughts on God and religion are my private thoughts and I choose who I wish to speak to about them and when.
