This topic certainly brings back memories for me.
I find it ironic that so many, even while remaining active JW's, are utterly embarrassed at the thought of being called "brother" or "sister" while in public and in front of a group of "worldly" people.
Weren't JW's supposed to be PROUD to proclaim their association and thereby praise and vindicate Jehovah's name? Yet the majority of Dubs HATE revealing their affiliation in public, because privately they harbor resentment and fear of being known as a Dub, because the rest of the world views Dubs as religious fanatic / cult members.
Humorous isn't it?
On a related topic, I enjoyed a very similar experience of contending with a JW "title" in public, but it was not "brother", but "apostate" LOL. I was at the bank, and the wife of an elder at the congregation I attended my entire life was there in line also. Using the reverse tactic of greeting a Dub in public so as to force them to react by either shunning me or being cordial, I said hi. She turned and looked the other way as if I did not exist, and this was in front of a group of people in line. Everyone could plainly see that she was ignoring me, so I continued talking loud enough for everyone to hear and I calmly explained that she is an active Jehovah's Witness, and I was formerly one, and because I did not want to be a Witness anymore and left the religion she was obligated by JW rules to completely ignore me as if I did not exist and to treat me as if I was dead. I also said that anyone in this line who is not a JW was condemned to death at Armaggedon, because according to JW doctrine only JW's would be saved, and everyone else was a voluntary member of "Satan's world". They turned to her in astonishment and began to ask her if any of this was true. i cut them off and said it is VERY true, you saw how when I politely said hi she turned away as if I did not exist and would not respond to me. In JW eyes because I left the JW's I am not even worthy of being granted the basic human decency. She literally RAN for the door.
I love giving a reverse witness. I guarantee that group of about 20 people in the bank will NEVER become Dubs.
Dubs HATE it when people expose the true nature of their belief system. They prefer everyone to have the image of JW's as being the polite, well-dressed, moral people who knock on your door to encourage you to read your Bible. Unfortunately you have to have been a Dub or have family within the Dubs to know how cruel and destructive their religion/cult can be.
Edited by - Reborn2002 on 6 December 2002 15:14:34