I could use some help arming myself.

WontLeave

I know there is going to be a backlash to skipping the Memorial and I want to be ready. I actually drove by the Kingdom Hall last evening, just so I could say I came on Passover and nobody was there. This will initiate a Watchtower worship session where they drag out all of their "scholarly" research. Just like they had "scholarly" research that Jesus was clean-shaved, blood transfusions and organ transplants would change people's personalities, the human heart controls emotions. I'd like to compile a nice list of incredibly stupid things the Society turned over every rock to find some "expert" to agree with their ridiculous belief. I'd prefer the information to be on the CD-ROM, since that would be easier to print off, but perhaps establishing a long history of shady proof from so-called "experts" would help, too.

If I'm called into the back room over this, I will have a digital recorder on me. I will record it and I will post it online. I will crush and destroy them, as I usually do. Only, this time I will not temper my responses as their brother, but I will treat them as the apostate antichrists they are. I am already aware they will never admit the Society is wrong now or ever has been. I know they will completely turn away from sound doctrine, in favor of worshiping their idol, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. I am fairly confident I will be DFed as an "apostate" for holding to the truth.

One really interesting point is that denying their erroneous day of Passover, denying their weak evidence for the "torture stake", denying their insane interpretation of "faithful and discreet slave" and all it entails; those are all trivial matters. They do not deny the Christ. They do not question the existence or nature of God. They do not call any Bible doctrinal into question, but I'm confident the elders will consider it heresy, because I refuse to worship their golden calf with them.

jgnat

You are planning to go in with tommy-gun blazing? They'll just duck and cover. It sounds like you want to make an impact, to get a few things off your chest. You can do that, but you won't be as impressive as if you handled a single important issue soberly, quietly, and with dignity.

Or, skip the drama all together. Either write a nice, long DA letter for them to file, or simply walk away.

Guest with Questions

I agree with jgnat. These people are not the enemy, the Gov Body is. They only way you are going to reach anyone is with kindness and respect. Ask questions.

If someone started a verbal attack at my church most people would walk away thinking something was wrong with that person. I'm sure one of the pastors would come to him but if the attack continued he would be escorted out. If someone asked valid questions people would respond.

Personally I would check into it to find out if what the person said had some merit. But it's the wrong approach.

WontLeave

This confrontation won't be about me. It will be a stand for truth and a demonstration I have no fear of men. It will be a chance for them to bury themselves and me to have a record of events. After I'm thrown out for standing up for truth, they won't be able to deny it or lie about what transpired. I've experience the elders "paraphrasing" events in the back room. In all honesty, they're damned liars and they're going to step in it, deep.

I don't recall any scriptures that praise wandering off or leaving (thus, my name). But there are plenty about being thrown out and excluded for taking a stand. Jesus didn't avoid confrontation and neither did he suggest it to his followers. Never do I remember him saying

"Okay, guys... The Pharisees are getting upset about us not washing our hands to the elbow - I know, I know... But let's just try to be nice to them and maybe they'll be nicer to us. Here's what we're going to do: Whenever we're around them, let's just conform so they don't get upset. When we're in our own homes, we can wash whatever we want, but let's not make waves."

This isn't about winning them over, because they're Pharisees. This isn't about making changes happen, because they're Pharisees. This isn't about making them feel ashamed, because they're Pharisees. No victory can be had in those kangaroo courts any more than Jesus could convert the power-hungry leadership in his day. The victory to be had is with the onlookers. The people who saw Jesus take on the corrupt establishment and were empowered to take a stand themselves. Jesus wasn't afraid of them and he realized his responsibility to make a stand and show it's not impossible and it certainly isn't wrong.

Granted, I'm not the High Priest of God's people, like Jesus was/is. I don't have the authority to call them names and condemn them to Gehenna. But I have Scriptural counsel to make a stand and defend my faith; and my faith isn't in 7 old men in Brooklyn or in the printing company they run. And it certainly isn't in 7M maids and construction workers.

jgnat

So you want to be a hero. What kind of hero do you want to be?

Rambo

...or...

When you intend to make an impact, you say more with less.

bohm

Wontleave, i would recommend you focus on honesty, ie. find a couple of pretty clear contradictions (misquotes, direct contradictions, etc.) and focus on those. For instance take some of the contradictory quotes on questioning ones own religion vs. other religions, or misquotes which are particular rampant when the WT talk about science. A talking point could be: "We are born with no religion, what procedures should we go through to figure out which is the right one?".

Keep it simple, and have low expectations

bohm

double post.

leavingwt

Have you read Hassan's first book? There is nothing to discuss with these men. They couldn't care less what the FACTS are. This will be a waste of your time.

WontLeave

In this case, I'm going to have to go with Rambo. He didn't start the fight, but he was a whole lot better prepared for it. I won't initiate a confrontation, but anyone who's ever stood out at the Hall knows, you don't have to start it; they'll bring it to you. Some may see me as baiting them, but the same could be said about Jesus or Daniel, then.

nugget

focus on what you will say and the key points you want to make. Be very clear they will not be interested in anything you have to say especially if it sounds vaguely questioning. The best thing is to ask them questions rather than tell them the problems. Give them the opportunity to try to prove the unprovable before hitting them with your conclusions.

You do come to the point where you don't give a rats arse for their opinion and are willing to bite the bullet but careful planning means you get the most out of the encounter and don't do things you may regret later.

I could use some help arming myself.

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