Do you think that JW's are integrating more into society these days?

by JH 15 Replies latest jw friends

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  JH

  Do you think that JW's are integrating more into society these days or not making any progress?

  I went to a rock concert in a park on Satuday night, and I saw 2 young JW's there. Their parents are JW's and the father is an elder and they go to every meeting and go out in the service regularly.

  That concert was to raise money for ex-alcoholics and ex drug attics and people following therapy for this.

  I've been going to that concert to raise money once a year, since over 10 years, and never saw 1 JW there in the past.

  I was very surprised to see them there. They saw me and waved hello. I said hello too, but didn't go talk to them.

  So, I was just wondering if JW's are finally changing a bit, and going out more to places where they wouldn't have wanted to be seen before.

  Just last year, I saw another JW couple watching a parade for the "St John the baptist" parade on June 24th. This parade is to celebrate Quebec as a nation, and has a separatist agenda to it too.

  Gee, as a witness, I was always afraid to be seen there.
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  M.J.

  I think you're right. Plus, I think our society is becoming more and more tolerant of its fringe elements, so JWs are probably less alienated than they used to be.
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  slimboyfat

  Bryan Wilson called Jehovah's Witnesses an "established sect" because they have maintained at tension within society for a longer period of time than predicted by the likes of Niebuhr on the sect-denomination contiuum hypothesis. Ronald Lawson has written an interesting article arguing that while the SDAs have fully accomodated themselves within society, Jehovah's Witnesses remain stigmatized and aloof:

  http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1:17841569/Sect-state+relations%7eC%7e+accounting+for+the+differing.html?refid=ency_botnm

  But I think his study is a bit out of date, and underestimated recent changes in the status of Jehovah's Witnesses even before his study was published.

  I think it is very interesting all the effort the Society are making for Witnesses to be recognised as "Holocaust victims" for instance, as well as their recent battle to be accorded status under public law in Germany.

  Changes are afoot, internally and in terms of PR presentation.

  Slim
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  metatron

  If you really think any meaningful internal changes are coming, by all means, share with us. I observe ( and detect) nothing of any

  value. Contrarywise, I observe an isolated and foolish guidance, as manifest in the recent "invitation" nonsense in regard to the assemblies.

  metatron
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  Mary

  Do you think that JW's are integrating more into society these days or not making any progress? I went to a rock concert in a park on Satuday night, and I saw 2 young JW's there. Their parents are JW's and the father is an elder and they go to every meeting and go out in the service regularly.

  I don't see that at all. From where I sit, the Organization is desperately pulling out all stops to limit the R&F's contact with "the world". As we well know, there's been a vigorous campaign recently to make sure that everything outside of the Organization is seen as being "part of Satan's world". Everything from higher education to association with non-practicing Dub family members is seen as being "baaaaaaaad". I mean, for crissakes, they're even telling the brothers where and how to obtain their lunches at the ASSemblies!! I don't see that as "progress" at all. The senile old men at the top are trying desperately to hang on to their thrones and are barking out the orders "off with their heads" to anyone who would like to make some positive changes.

  Until the leadership changes at the top, you won't see the Witnesses integrate into society. Why would they? They have a morbid fear of "Satan's world"----why would they want to become part of it?

  Just my two cents.
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  metatron

  I think we need to be cognizant of typical Witness "double minded" behavior. I've been surprized by seeing elders at rock concerts

  and take notice of the ceaseless demands that Witnesses avoid chat rooms, apostasy, porn, etc. You must understand that the

  elderly theocrats are getting frightened by their "flock" slipping out of their control. Meanwhile, Witness families are quietly

  compromising and drifting into worldly integration.

  The most powerful evidence that something is wrong is the lack of contributions. No matter what numbers they crow about, Witnesses

  are closing their wallets - while paying for internet services, college, DVD's and other 'worldly goods'.

  metatron
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  juni

  I've always believed that everyone has their so called "breaking point". It's refreshing to hear that some are putting the fear of the WT org. aside and enjoying life and helping others - even those "evil worldly people".

  Juni
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  Gordy

  Just because you see a couple of young JW's at some concert doesn't mean that the WT is changing.

  For a start did their parents know they were at the concert?

  In years gone by I knew of JW's who would go and see a rock concert.

  You saw a couple of JW's watching a parade, WOW! Just because you "watch" a parade doesn't mean you support what its for. In my years as a JW I've stood and watched many a parade.

  I've been to and seen other JW's at firework displays for November 5th, Guy Fawkes etc. a political/religious festival here in Britain.

  It seems to come down the the usual American/Canadian JW attitude who seemed to be more uptight about such things. Also the way local Elders interpret WT directives.

  Its not so much Watchtower changing, but that their own members are changing.
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  willy_think

  Not for the R&F-- The kids of and elder can do anything dady has the power to allow, but that's not new.
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  JH

  Just because you "watch" a parade doesn't mean you support what its for.

  Well, it is the mentality here.

  If a witness goes to a gay parade, it means that he supports and accepts their way of living.