Thanks to all of the friends here at JWN who commented and encouraged me on my 1 st and 2nd post. It was pointed out that my 1st post was on page 5 of the recent ‘Elders’ thread and that I should properly introduce myself with a new thread. The ‘Lightgrowsbrighter’ name is somewhat of play on words. Most of you are well aware of the WT incorrectly applying this scripture in Proverbs 4:18 to themselves as some kind of a prophecy and an excuse for the many theological/policy changes that take place and a demand for all JW’s to follow. (Coincidentally, we just saw another letter with WT changes site this scripture yet again.) It is an analogy for all of us as individuals, and the ‘light does grow brighter’ if we individually try to remain righteous and keep learning. I feel blessed to have read some very logical threads by the brothers and sisters on JWN. Many of my thoughts echo many of the comments already made here at JWN. But, sorry to be redundant, here is part of my first post:
"I am a third gen JW. MS for 7 years, elder for 5. The majority of my family on all sides are elders or have been. I was a kid in 1975 (lived where the 'need was great') and clearly remember the frenzy about this system ending. I was a teen in the mid 80's and remember the 70/80 years from 1914 and the whole deal was gonna wrap. I was the WT conductor in 1995/96 when'new light' about the 1914/generation thing was discussed. I knew I shouldn't be on the stage teaching this. I stepped aside in 1997. Has been a gut wrenching experience since then. I believe the basic problem with the WT org is that theological (and even personal) opinions are to be viewed as unquestionable facts if presented in the WT. My basic thought is that to disagree is not disrespect- it's OK as long as love is shown by all. It's OK to agree to disagree. If the brothers at the top would just let go of their demand for strict adherence to all of their pronouncements that are really just their own opinions, people would be banging down the doors to go the KH. Galatians 1:6-9 kind of gets overlooked or misinterpreted. Unfortunately, there is an ever deepening hierarchy and conditional love within the org. You will not be loved if you disagree."
I am not here because I am bitter and angry (at least I'm trying not be that way). I don’t wish to bash active JW’s. In fact, in my opinion, there are good things taught by the WT. But the mind-numbing, repetitive control mechanisms are solidly in place. Sadly, those in control show little evidence of humbling themselves as ‘fellow workers’ (1 Cor. 3:9). My wife of many years, also a 3 rd gen JW and former ‘pioneer’, has also suffered greatly for the last few years. Long time ‘friends’ have basically abandoned her because we don’t agree and follow every opinion of the WT. Opinions that are our scriptural decision to make- not a small group of men sequestered in ‘world headquarters’. Our friends quote scriptures only when they parrot the WT. When other scriptures are presented that show a different point, they normally get angry, and even become verbally abusive. One elder friend of mine came right out and said he doesn't want to think about things, just do whatever the WT org tells us. WOW. Of course, the big ‘A’ is thrown out there with no regard for open scriptural discussion. We are not DF’d, but some friends of 20-30 years refuse to talk to us.
I appreciate the open discussions here at JWN. Some comments have been made by friends here such as ‘Why do we continue to care what JW’s think?’ Well for me, there is almost a psychosis about it. A lifetime of thinking and acting a certain way, with all of our family/friends involved is difficult to deal with. I do find that virtually every JW that is willing to open and discuss their feelings does struggle with some of the same issues the majority of us here at JWN discuss. With the possibility of someone at the upper echelons of the WT org reading these posts, I say, PLEASE let go of the controlling and arrogant attitude. It is NOT scriptural to demand that the ‘sheep’ strictly follow your opinion. My second post was ‘A simple test’. If the WT leadership would prayerfully review those questions, the controlling, hateful attitude to friends who don’t agree with all of their opinions would change.
I’m rambling again, but thanks to all of the kind, intelligent, and sincere Christian friends. It's so sad and bizarre that some of us here have to be secretive and cloak and dagger about our discussions. I diappoint myself acting this way. I hope this doesn't sound judgemental- but that's the way I feel. But 1 John 4:17-21 confirms to me as a lifetime JW and student of the Bible that the respectful open discussion’s here at JWN are something Jesus expects from us. Fear and guilt for having open Bible based discussions are straight from the dark side…