this is the scuttlebutt in one of the "bethel congregations" by us.. no details as to exactly what this "faith-testing" announcement might be.. anyone else hear any of this pre-zone visit hype?.
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I kinda wish that I woke up earlier to prepare and record this meeting even if only for a talk or two. So easy to do on an iPad.
What could they do? Ask me to stop in the middle of the meeting? Shun me some more?
I truly appreciate those who are posting what is said today....and would love actual video or recordings.
ok, i'll admit it...i am weak.... as everyone knows, the pressure to "pioneer" during "the most momentous, awesome, amazing, centenary anniversay of jesus invisble kigdom rule, & distribute tracts about a dodgy website" campaign is very strong at the moment.... also, many will have read my threads about the extreme views and expectations in our cong for "all appointed men to pioneer" etc..... every elder and ms and their families have been announced as pioneering....i mean everyone's name was read out except mine..... i was not going to do it, as i do not believe anyone should be forced...(and of course its the last thing on earth i would rather do anyway since learning ttatt).
but i am not quite ready to make the break yet, so i realised that i would stand out more if i didnt put in a form to pioneer.
yes it would make me more conspicious, and make fading harder to do...it would bring more heat on me if i didnt pioneer.. so i gave in and submitted a form.... now, of course, i'm only going to make sure i'm seen at the key field service groups etc...but then go and do something more interesting...like count blades of grass..... ahh....i feel hypocritical to myself now......
Hi Brainfloss -
I was known as Stirred, but have not been able to log in for a long time. I unded up having to register again with a new name - Odyssey. I think it is fitting me better now anyway.
I wanted to get back to your two definitions above. IMO, most witnesses have very strong personal integrity but have been deluded and perhaps so entrenched in their routines that it is difficult for them to see above the hedge so to speak. If one is not computer literate, internet savy....and I know many who really are not....and you have hardly any downtime due to all the work/meeting/life/service commitments, it is hard to even have time to investigate ones thoughts. However, most live by strong code of telling the truth, being honest, etc....to the best of their human ability.
I would question those in power however. I'm just in awe at the speed of changes and the attention the GB now seems to relish and are feeding down to the leadership at all levels. I never have P or AP as I did not like the coercion, attention, name. Now the authorities are creating every greater division and casting.....that to me is laking integrity. The old ways are so easily discarded and now we are expected to get behind this new zeal for an organizational name, its leadership and not question anything about the changes.
Those that are awaking perhaps you can consider them to have less integrity because they don't stand up and call a spade a spade. I am feeling ever more uncomfortable in my skin as I am still viewed by my community, friends, and most of my family that I'm a JW. I haven't taken the step to DA but am in active now for several months. I will not preach this "new light" or anything else right now and feel averse to even the idea of it.
So I guess, I am the type you speak of that has weak or no integrity. I'm in gel state....became lacking in firm convictions and am finding my stand. Many on this site have encouraged that we do not DA ourselves...not to give a nod to authorities. I get that to a point but I don't feel right with myself. I want to be free to be me - to voice my questions and reasonings. I know that the ramifications could be very hard and that is what is holding me back.
I think we all cling to some sort of "new" normal and relative truth. Perhaps that is integrity for the individual but not interpersonally acceptable for some. I think the greater concern to me is organizational integrity as I still like to give some benefit of the doubt to the individuals I know. I do believe I have grown to be more sceptical and am try not to become a pessimist.
Peace,
Odyssey (formerly Stirred)
