I'm talking the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about their organization---UP FRONT, not subtly creeping it in. Two of them caught me by surprise this morning at my door (nobody here knows me from adam) offering the Awake magazine on battered women. I was incredulous, having had experience with being a battered woman AND a witness all at the same time. I thought, most people they're talking to won't realize their REAL stance on abused women and children. Most probably think they're saints for offering helpful information about abuse. At first I was livid (the reptilian part of my brain's response) then awareness seeped to my frontal lobe, and I felt nothing but pity for the vaccuous looking old gentleman at my door (wonder how many years he's devoted to this rot and what kind of retirement awaits him). All that I could utter from my stunned lips was: "No." (he looked like he was going to try to engage me further in old harrassing witness fasion) and I looked him and his friend emphatically in the eye and said "just no. have a wonderful day." and closed the door.
I hate---no, I despise uninvited intrusions on my days off from long hard work weeks. I'm pregnant, and getting ready for out of town guests for T-giving. But toss all that aside for this argument. Witnesses are, always have been and probably will always be RUDE. They are the original telemarketers & vaccum cleaner salesmen of American religion. They're sales tactics are crass, cheap and devoid of genteelity. There's no changing that, I'm afraid.
However, as I watched them accost the too-friendly-to-turn-them-away-lonely old lady across the street, I thought. and thought. It's not those individuals peddling those magazines I have any issue with. I am, however left with one burning desire from growing up in the org. To make witnesses tell the truth. From the get go. I wish I had a concise, as non-biased as it can be piece of literature that spelled out, concisely what they espouse. It must include their views on world governments (that they are under the complete control of Satan) It must have WTBTS quotes or at least references to back it up (I no longer have any of their crap, except my old NWT bible). I want the truth about their beleif that anyone not baptized as a Jehovah's witness will die at Armageddon. I want their REAL views on women and children's rights exposed.
My agenda is not trying to bring down this religious corporation. If a consenting ADULT wishes to become and remain a witness--good! Great!! We've fought too hard for religious freedom in this country for them not to be. But I want anyone even APPROACHED with this religion to be fully aware. Not subtly introduced to subject matter. Like being seduced a little at a tiny bit at a time, until the victim's boundaries are all broken down. I want people to know: this is how you go in, this is how you will come out. This is what you will have to stand for. These are the principals you will have to die for. This is how you will have to dress. Talk. Eat. Breath. etc.
Is there anything in writing like this? I'm going to go over and talk to my neighbor after a while. If she wants to be a witness, more power to her, and her right to be so. But she's going to know what and who they are if I have anything to do with it.
Thanks for listening. Any input welcome.
Peace,
Bridgette
edited for over use of "short order" lol!