Rant about the term "WORLDLY"!!!!

by wordlywife 26 Replies latest jw friends

  • Oroborus21
    Oroborus21

    Greetings!

    Since this is your husband and these are your feelings as they pertain to his conduct, you have the right and should tell him about anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. As your husband, he should be considerate of your feelings and even though something may be habitual he ought to make an effort to be more considerate of you.

    Notice the above applies to anything.

    With regards to Witnesses using the term "worldly" I do have to take the unpopular side here and defend the use of the term "worldly" by Jehovah's Witnesses.

    Of course, there MAY be some that overhear witnesses using this term in their conversations or occassionally from the platform and may understand the negative connotations involved; however most people, that is everyone else sitting around the restaurant would not so understand those connotations. In fact, as has already been pointed out, they are likely to perceive it has having positive connotations or at least be confused since among normal non-JW people the term does have positive connotations.

    All coherent groups (from the military to lawyers to street gangs) utilize forms and terms of language that are exclusive and shared by the group and helps to separate them from non-group members. One who understands a shares the same symbol-referent system is identifiable as being "in" with the group. Such language behaviour is common and unobjectionable and in fact useful.

    As you probably know, JWs use the term "worldly" to describe everything from a non-JW to a JW that is engaging in certain behaviours or possesses certain traits. The opposite of the state of being "worldly" (or of THIS world/physical) is of course to be "spirtual" which represents the ideal. Thus (in theory) JWs strive to be spiritual people and not worldly people.

    It is a useful term that used among JWs isn't offensive and is effective in communicating. Rather then being offended you should consider yourself as being welcomed and "in" enough with the group of JWs that they would use such term in your presence, without any kind of deference or making excuses to you. Obviously, they feel comfortable with you.

    If you are offended then you should simply assert yourself and say something along the lines of:

    I understand you guys are using your language and that you don't really mean any offense to anyone, but as a "worldly" person who knows that the term conveys certain negative connotations, it makes me feel demeaned to hear you use that term right in front of me. Would you please be more considerate in the future? Thank you.

    they will get the message and should be happy to be more considerate in the future.

    -Eduardo

  • wordlywife
    wordlywife

    Well said, Eduardo. Thanks you for your thoughts!

    It is just as you said though, the negative connotation that this term has, which gets my dander up.

    ww

  • jeanniebeanz
    jeanniebeanz
    Rather then being offended you should consider yourself as being welcomed and "in" enough with the group of JWs that they would use such term in your presence, without any kind of deference or making excuses to you.

  • talesin
    talesin

    WW

    I knew I remembered a thread on this ... here's the link,

    http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/58312/1.ashx

    worldly = normal

    t

  • trevor
    trevor

    I was once cautioned by two elders wearing cheap crumpled suits for wearing ' worldly shoes!' This meant they were in fashion rather than five years old.

  • Scully
    Scully
    It is a useful term that used among JWs isn't offensive

    Oroborus: try telling your faithfully JW wife that something she's doing is Worldly? and see if you get dinner or any cuddles tonight. Go on, I double dog dare you. <~~ Oroborus after his wife gets through with him.

    Worldly? "is a useful term that used among JWs isn't offensive" when applied to people you're talking about behind their back. If you use it to describe another JW's behaviour, it's a clear indication that you consider them with suspicion and do not look upon them as someone worthy of close friendship and regular association.

    Love, Scully

  • jeanniebeanz
    jeanniebeanz

    Thank you, Scully. I was so mad that all I could do was stare in stunned silence at the stupidity of the statement.

    It's okay though, I eventually regained consciousness and pretended that I had not seen it... *sticks fingers in ears* lalalalalalalala

    Jeannie

    (of the "some-things-I-better-not-touch" class)

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