by Room 215 9 Replies latest jw friends
As I think back over nearly a half century of going to meetings that I can count on one hand the number of meetings that I could label as inspirational or in the least bit exhilirating. I think many if not most JWs regard meeting attendance as a duty, or test of their perseverance, a sort of installment pre-payment on their idyllic post-Armageddeon homesite,
What about you? Was there ever a point in your life that you enjoywed and looked forward to going to the meetings?
I would disagree with much of what you said. The meetings provided a sense of belonging, and promoted thinking and speaking skills. A long with that, as a young person I was able to read and comprehend the Bible. Something that does not seem to be too common these days, alas.
Provided "thinking" skills!? Did I just read that?
Country Girl
Feeling the need to attend meetings is a sign of weakness. If you don't attend, you will eventually be asked if there's a problem. I'm sure some people enjoy talks and demonstrations and taking quizzes and answering questions. Some feel that being at meetings is actually a social event, just like some elders feel that elders meetings are a way to enjoy a "spiritual boy's club". Obviously I have not enjoyed them, huh?
Mostly, I did not look forward to them. On certain occasions I did, but mostly becasue of some of the people there; it was nice socializing. But once the chairman (me on occasion) called for the opening song, it was a very quick downhill slide from there.
I never miss a meeting. Even when I don't go.
There was nothing useful about going to the meetings. The only part I enjoyed was talking to my friends. Other than that, it was a complete waste of time.
If you asked anyone what the meeting was about most didn't have a clue. Why? Borrrring. One time the C.O. told the brothers flat out their talks were boring. Why? They were all based on the same old W.T. rehash. I remember one brother who came to give public talks who was a teacher. His talks were super-interesting. One time he brought a few worldly books onto the platform and read a few lines from them. He got into big trouble for not keeping to his W.T. edited outline and not long after was taken off as an elder.
I always noticed that most people parked their bodies at the hall and allowed their thoughts to wander. So promoted thinking... sure... promoted thinking about other things.
The meetings are redundant, boring, and repetative.
That is why people back bite, gossip, and attack each other there. It is like chickens in a pen, they get bored and will peck each other to death!
I enjoyed going to meetings to see friends, but usually not for the talks.
I did enjoy them sometimes. Every once in a while, a speaker was gifted and got you interested from beginning to end. But that was rare - oh so rare. I can probably count those on one hand.
Other times I enjoyed it because it would deviate from the norm. I remember a circuit or district overseer bringing in a slideshow of a trip to some ancient lands. I really enjoyed seeing the pictures from these places, so I did enjoy some.
For the most part, it was so boring. I became an expert daydreamer. In fact, I think the JWs caused this trait. All through grade school, I did well, but the teachers always commented on my daydreaming in my report cards. During summer, when the drapes were open at the Hall and I could see trees, I'd watch them blow back and forth, dreaming I was out playing among trees. Or sometimes I could see a bird and watch them. There was a painting on the wall, I'd imagine being in that scenery. I'd try drawing (until my parents gave me dirty looks). I'd rehash the day's events and think about what I was going to do tomorrow. In short, ANYTHING, but concentrate on those boring talks. Not only boring, but repetative. Teach me something I don't know already!
