By now most here have read the terrible story of a pregnant Witness, Theresa Giarrano, who was murdered for her unborn child. The story appeared in Vogue magazine shortly after the events took place; it is only now, 10 months later, that the Awake (July 22, 2001 issue) has published anything about this tragedy.
Though the story is "as told by" Theresa's father, James Giarrano, it is such a twisted piece of exploitation that I can only believe a ghost writer or collaborator is behind it. First of all, the story itself becomes flat, monotone, passionless, propagandistic, with none of the real grief or pathos that attends human tragedy. Second, the voice of the narrator is exactly the same as in all of the other "as told by" stories that appear in the Awake. Whether the narrator is a violin player, a former street thug, an octogenarian, a street mime, or a retired pugilist, the voice in these short personal pieces is always exactly the same -- no personality, no idiosyncratic nuances of style, no sense of a self.
That said, there are some particular quotes I found particularly repulsive, given the doctrines promoted in the very pages in which this story is told:
In attendance [at Theresa's memorial service] were family members, friends, police officers, the mayor, and others from the community. Members of the media were also present, and local television stations filmed the discourse, which was also broadcast live over the Internet. In addition, hundreds of people stood in the school lobby or huddled under umbrellas outside in the cold raid, listening over speakers that had been hooked up. The discourse gave a far-reaching witness about our Bible-based beliefs.
So, according to the Awake, the memorial was really an opportunity to witness to masses of worldly people. It was an opportunity to promote doctrine. Was it an occasion to remember the deceased? Did the speaker focus on the individual who had died, her life, her personality, that which made her unique and loved? Not according to the Awake, which puts "beliefs" before individuals.
It gets worse.
Afterward, hundreds of people waited patiently in line to offer condolences. We stayed for nearly three hours, hugging all those who had come and expressing our appreciation for their presence. Following the service a local hospital provided a meal for over 300 of our family members, close friends, and others who had assisted in recovering our grandson.We cannot adequately express how much we appreciate what people -- mostly strangers -- did to help us. This experience has made us more determined than ever to have a full share in the Christian ministry, for there are a lot of kindhearted individuals whom we want to reach with the good news of God's Kingdom.
Who were these people who offered condolences, prepared meals, donated money and clothes, sent cards, and attended to the needs of the bereaved? Although many Witnesses no doubt lent a hand, it is clear that the disproportionate majority of those who assisted were worldly people,, part of the 99.9 percent of humanity who are on Satan's side, soon to be destroyed. And though these people helped when they saw others in need, they are still condemned by the doctrine of Witnesses to death -- why else would James Giarrano, the narrator, feel such an urgent need to "reach [them] with the good news of God's Kingdom"?
When she was found murdered, I must admit that I wondered why my prayers were not answered. Of course, I know that Jehovah does not guarantee miraculous protection for his people individually. I continued to pray for understanding. I have been comforted in the knowledge that Jehovah protects his people spiritually--that is, he provides what we need in order to safeguard our relationship with him. That type of protection is most important, for it can affect our eternal future. In that sense, Jehovah did protect Theresa; she was serving him faithfully at the time of her death.
I don't want to disrespect a father's grief and struggle for understanding, but this passage only underscores the basic Witness belief that non-Witnesses will not receive the "eternal future" set aside exclusively for those within the Organization -- every good Witness knows that the only way to "serve Jehovah faithfully" is to be a Witness! This passage also give short shrift to the really troubling questions behind all this: Why won't an all-loving, all-powerful, all-knowing God -- a God whose chief attributes (according to the Organization) include justice -- prevent an atrocity like this, a crime committed against a mother and her unborn baby, the most innocent of innocents? WHY? What possible purpose could her death have served; what possible justification can there be for not preventing such an atrocity? James Giarrano does not (and perhaps isn't allowed to) explain how he overcame his doubts; he only glosses over them with scriptures about the resurrection.
Jehovah truly helped us to cope with this unspeakable tragedy. Oh, we still grieve for our dear Theresa. We expect that our grief will not be completely erased until we can hug her again in Jehovah's new world. In the meantime, we are more determined than ever to serve Jehovah faithfully. Jonathan is determined to raise Oscar to love and serve Jehovah, and Vicki and I will assist him in every way possible. It is our heartfelt desire to be on hand in God's new world to welcome Theresa back and introduce her to the son that she did not get to hold in her arms.
Exactly how did Jehovah help these poor people? Did he prevent the brutal death of an innocent mother? No. Did Jehovah send the worldly people to the family's aid, people he plans to kill very, very soon? Not likely. And now the family is bent on remaining in the Organization and indoctrinating a baby in its beliefs, because they are told that this is the only way they will ever see their daughter again. And that, of course, is the real theme of the article: it isn't about Theresa at all! "No matter what terrible things happen to you, no matter who helps you through difficult times, no matter how badly your heart is wounded, do NOT leave the Organization, or you will never see your loved ones again."
The Witness way of thinking about things like this is not, in my opinion, conducive to healthy grieving.
Dedalus