by radar 9 Replies latest jw friends
Study,Prayer and the Ministry.
Of all the shepherding calls that I know of, and no matter what the problem the flock may have encountered, essentially the same advice was given.
Most elders have neither the experience or understanding or right to judge personal matters such as marital concerns or child abuse.
They become basicly peeping toms when they get involved in such matters.
Radar
And if they don't have the answer right away, you could always wait on Jehovah.. LOL
Prayer....is particularly effective..........not!
ISP
From "Why Jehovahs Witnesses have mental problems" (http://www.premier1.net/~raines/mental.html) :
To refer patients to the elders, virtually none of whom have formal training in psychology, therapy or human behavior, is often a drastic mistake. When the writer suggested to a male Bethelite who was going through severe depression to talk to the elders, his response was "Do you think a janitor and a brush salesman are going to help me with my emotional problems?" As has been well documented, elders tend to feel that the solution to every problem is to pray, study more, and trust in Jehovah. Besides, they feel the guilt over whatever emotional problems one is suffering from are likely due to some sin or shortcoming on the victim's part. In my experience, the elders often do more harm than good, which is what we would expect: putting people who have not only no training, but a false view of humanity and a distorted perception of reality in charge of an emotionally disturbed person could well be lethal--as it sometimes is.
Edited by - Quotes on 23 August 2002 17:53:36
If there truly is a God, and the Jehovah's Witnesses are his chosen representatives...
...If Study and Prayer and the Ministry are all what he truly requires of of his followers...
...then of course this would definitely be a cure-all, and the Elders and the Watchtower are absolutely right.
You can understand the bewilderment and confusion when it simply doesn't work, can't you?
: You can understand the bewilderment and confusion when it simply doesn't work, can't you?
If you keep 'em confused and bewildered, they can't think clearly. That's exactly what the Watchtower Printing Corporation wants.
"Help Wanted:
International multi-level religious conglomorate needs volunteer workers to sacrifice their life, ideals, hopes, dreams, personal integrity, consciences, health, money and families and engage in the door-to-door selling of books. No pay, no fringe benefits, no retirement, no security, no pats-on-the-back. Ever. The successful candidates will be required to pass a rigorous entrance exam, pay all their own expenses and provide their own transportation and uniforms. Must be willing to reject and disobey all laws regarding discrimination based upon sex and religious affiliation. Must be willing to waive all constitutional and any other legal rights. Must be willing to DIE for the Corporation for any reason the Corporation sees fit. Must be willing to swear that Eurasia has ALWAYS been at war with Oceana.
Clear thinking people NEED NOT APPLY."
Farkel
Edited by - Farkel on 23 August 2002 18:10:48
Farkel:
LOL, yet, very powerful points!
Matty
You can understand the bewilderment and confusion when it simply doesn't work, can't you
Yes, so when it don't work then the people must be spiritualy weak, this is the indoctrination.
Farkel, sobering thought!
ISP prayer must be the worst part of the advice because if things do not get better ( which they usually dont) then the person has the added burden of thinking that God dissaproves of them somehow.
Good Quote
scum rat, I am still waiting
Radar
Edited by - radar on 23 August 2002 18:36:0
Farkel: Great Points! LMAO! They could put it right under the caption "Would You Welcome A Visit" which is on the back of every Botchtower.
You forgot the fourth thing. Meeting attendance. Musn't isolate yourself. Leads to clear thinking and a desire to get faaaarrrrrr awaaaaaayyyyyy from the org.
Blessings
Song
