Are Elders Still "In"-----No Good?

minimus

What's your opinion of elders that are still in the organization but are starting to realize that what they thought was the truth really isn't? Let's say they know that the teachings, the prophecies, etc. are not true----but for various reasons, are still in----does this make you feel they are hypocrites? What if they honestly feel that they can help some that are oppressed or distressed because they are an elder? Are they wrong? Let's say it takes months or even some years before they make a clear break, does that mean they're phonies, now?

SanFranciscoJim

Recovering from the JW experience is a process, not an event.

We all have to start somewhere, and I would never accuse anyone in the early stages of their exploration towards freedom of being a hypocrite.

Room 215

Min I concur with SFJim on this; by its nature, disaffection is a gradual process of increasing awareness. I think it's admirable that in their efforts to reconcile their misgivings, elders come here to interact, in fairness, with those who hold varying degrees of alternative views.

Brummie

I think we all go through a patch of being hypocrites when we are JWs discovering the lies. I think even hypocrisy can be excused under those stressful circumstances. Its not black and white, discovering the Watchtower is false doesnt immediately leave us with anywhere else to go so we can go through a wilderness even while being "inside". Elders are hypocrites as is the R&F, its all in the mix of exiting a destructive cult that screws up our ability to think straight for a while.

To each his own, we all have to move at our own pace.

Brummie

got my forty homey?

I wouldn't think so because the control over peoples minds the org. has is a very powerful one. My Father who has been a witness for over 35 years has been a elder and all the congregation titles. However as of the last 10 years or so he has slowed down a lot. Stepped down from all positions, he is inactive and misses many meetings. At one time he read Ray Franz's two books and he started talking to me about "what is truth"? I started getting relieved that maybe he saw the light as well. Then all of a sudden he told me he didn't understand what he was thinking! This is the truth! He threw out his Ray Franz books and is still missing a lot of meetings, and is inactive! He still has a lot of doubts but he won't bad mouth the org.

Now that a powerful control over a persons mind.

minimus

40----It is SCARY for an older person to make changes---even when the evidence is pretty obvious. Come to think of it, you don't have to be older to be afraid....I agree with all your comments, folks!

JH

does this make you feel they are hypocrites?

No, some are slower than others to get out of the org. and there could be many reasons why. Family, work, etc, or they are afraid of the unknown world out there.

If they remain they won't be too persuasive and bring in new recruits.

stillajwexelder

Having been there myself I can hardly condemn them -- IMHO -- some think they can work for change from the inside - -each person's "Crisis of Conscience " is different - so no they are not hypocriticall and so many say what Peter said ' Where else is there to go?"

Maverick

There are a lot of Elders that are in for their own selfish reasons. The WTS support them so they support it. They don't care what the Org does to people. They are getting what they want, be it power or recognition or whatever! Those are the guys I have a problem with! The honest hearted ones that are trapped with the exit phobias and all, have my sympathy! And if they are too scared to break away, they have my pity. But the dogmeat who love the power and the control have my ire! Maverick

Earnest

Ray Franz remained "in" until he was disfellowshipped. Martin Luther remained a Catholic until he was excommunicated. Galileo remained a Catholic his whole life although he knew they were wrong. Jesus Christ remained a Jew until they killed him. ok, ok, so the last isn't a good example but the rest are. Judge a man by his fruits, not by the clothes he wears.

Are Elders Still "In"-----No Good?

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