Speaking at an evangelical gathering...

by Tuesday 13 Replies latest jw friends

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  carla

  Just let the Evangelicals know you are there to inform them about jw's and not to discuss the bible on a personal level. Once they hear about jw's they will not be surprised that you and many ex jw's become atheists. I had one minister tell me once that Mormon's & Jw's produce more atheists than anyone!

  Most people do not know anything about jw's, you would be doing a great service in my opinion. The biblical doctrine stuff they can look up anywhere and discuss with their minister or at their own bible studies, what they have no idea about is all the unwritten rules and the read between the lines stuff. The culture of dubland itself, the heirarchy, language barrier when discussing with a Christian, family life, pedophile/two witness rule, that many ex jw's are diagnosed with ptsd, life for a jw child, marriage within the jw's and when one leaves, marrying a jw, love bombing, baptism into the org, etc..etc..etc... and let's not forget shunning!!!!

  Have fun and make it clear to them what you will be skipping if you don't want to go to something, spend that time in the hotel pool or something.
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  JeffT

  I think that if you are entirely upfront with them about your religious views (or lack thereof) and they still want you, it might be a good thing to go. I've spoken to a number of groups over the years. It has been my experience that most of them know next to nothing about the shunning and high control methods. Many change their viewpoint on JW's when they realize how many of them are trapped by the group. For most Christians, changing churches isn't a big deal.
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  rebel8

  Well it's beautiful on the NY-Canada border. Just independently verify there is telephone service and transportation outta there. You don't want to be trapped there or something. (I guess I'm suspicious of fundies.)

  Carla's suggestion is good. Also things to consider would be--how long do you have to give your presentation? If it's more than a few hours I'd get suspicious. And what about your time off? Are there things for you and your traveling companions to do away from the group? Will you have to eat your meals with the group?
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  The Oracle

  Go for it.

  It could be fun.

  Plus it would be interesting to come back here and read about your adventures.

  As long as you are clear up front and outline the limitations that you will place on your involvement all should go well.

  Follow your instincts, Tuesday.

  Enjoy the journey.

  The Oracle.