I'm noticing more and more witnesses willing to accept "micro" but not "macro." Granted, many of these are ill-informed as to what the implications of either really are. These are also the same ones who will use the word "adaptation" but not the word "evolution."
Franklin Massey
JoinedPosts by Franklin Massey
-
10
Microevolution vs Macroevolution (NOT an evolution vs creation debate)
by pirata ini've heard the distinction between microevolution and macroevolution a lot, especially from intelligent design arguments.
microevolution being defined as changes or adaption within a species, and macroevolution being changes from one species to another.
my impression is that there really is no such meaningfule distinction between macro and micro in the modern scientific sense of evolutionary theory.
-
-
-
72
Public Talk Outlines
by Lady Lee ini have been collecting the public talk outlines.
i have almost all of them but there are a few missing.
i have tiles for some but just numbers for others.
-
-
Franklin Massey
Another thing is with the outlines being limited to 30 minutes now, I can deliver talks that are neutral when it comes to doctrines I no longer believe in.
At first I thought the 15 minute reduction would allow me to continue to give public talks but after a while, just being up on that stage felt wrong to me.
-
50
Resigned
by Franklin Massey ini finally resigned as an elder.
my conscience wouldn't allow me to continue.
i've battled for years trying to reconcile the fallacies of the wt society with my own personal beliefs.
-
-
Franklin Massey
Thanks to all for the words of support and encouragement.
Maze, from reading your posts, I see that you think there are "undercover apostates" who are fabricating stories for the benefit of...who knows. You are probably correct in this assumption. As for me, I have remained relatively vague on this site for the sole reason of not being identified by others. At times, I feel like I may have given too many clues as to my age, family status, region, etc. Now that I have stepped down, I'm sure that some sisters and brothers will wonder why. I can't be direct in my response as I could be disfellowshipped for apostasy. I will remain elusive as to my true feelings in the congregation - and also elusive on this board as to my true identity. Also, I'm not even sure what posting my talk outlines would do to prove anything. I'll give you something to chew on though: I have two talks that I have been giving for the last couple of years. My outlines differ greatly from the original outlines provided by the Society because as my conscience troubled me more and more, I had to keep adapting the talks so as not to feel like I was telling the audience things that I myself did not believe. I thought I could maintain that process for long while. However, I reached a point where I could hardly give a talk without feeling like a fraud. The Society requests a certain level of obedience from its elders and I was twisting and bending the rules so much that I no longer felt qualified to be an elder. As I get the sense that you are a bit of a troll, or at the very least, an antagonist, I will not honor you with any more information than what I have just typed and what I have already posted.
williamhahn, I understand your point about the fade vs. a solid stance. I want to take the solid stance but feel that at this time, it would be a selfish course when I consider the negative impact to both my wife's and my families.
dontplaceliterature, You're right. I haven't been on here as much. This board has been therapeutic for me but as I became more serious about stepping down, I thought I should take a break from my constant activity here. It's easy to find people here that will validate a move away from the JWs. I had no shortage of fuel here for my own personal little fire. I took a break because I wanted to be free of influence before I made my official decision. Also, I made this decision a while back, as some of my private message friends know. I didn't want to be too quick to jump on the public board and announce my decision.
Camelot, I'm sorry to hear about the "loss" of your child. This part of the Society's control makes me ill. I am trying to avoid a forced break with my friends and family at all costs. If they think I'm weak or struggling, that's fine, as long as I can still be a part of their lives. For now, I'm willing to stick it out to maintain these loving relationships.
sizemik, your comments about pretending to not know what I do know remind me of some bad advice that a few people have given me when I have expressed doubts or concerns about faulty JW doctrines. They said, "Your just too smart. You think too much. You should just stop thinking about things and be glad to be part of such a wonderful organization. Maybe one day your concerns will be addressed. Just be patient." Is it just me or is that total garbage? JWs boast about their "logical" and "reasonable" approach to helping people learn the "truth." But if I apply logic and reason to a subject and come up with a different answer than what JWs teach - or find a glaring fault in the doctrine - then I'm using my brain too much? It doesn't make sense.
Doubting Bro, the thought of my wife being treated differently kills me. It was a big factor to weigh in my decision making process. I can take the negative treatment (if there is any). But she doesn't deserve it. She has been so patient and loving during this whole process.
-
50
Resigned
by Franklin Massey ini finally resigned as an elder.
my conscience wouldn't allow me to continue.
i've battled for years trying to reconcile the fallacies of the wt society with my own personal beliefs.
-
-
Franklin Massey
I made the decision to step down a while back but didn't really know if I wanted to announce it on this public forum or not. Then I read this post:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/experiences/210866/1/Another-Elder
It reminded me of why I joined this forum in the first place. There are many JWs with doubts and questions. Due to the high control of information within the Org, many have nowhere to voice their concerns. Although each individual must decide for themselves which course to take, there is something to be said about a shared experience. There is also strength in numbers. If someone is questioning their role in the JW Org, and their search leads them here, I want them to see that many of their sisters, brothers, pioneers, servants and elders have questions and concerns too. That may just give them the edge they need to break free from the mental shackles that bind so many in the Org. Each person deserves to know the whole truth. What they decide to do with what they learn is up to them.
I would also like to acknowledge those who called me out as a hypocrite when I first joined the board. I thought I could stay in a high role of service and somehow be a source of balance and refreshment to those who were being weighed down by the pressures of conformity and never-ending increased service to the Org. That plan wore me out quickly and caused more mental and emotional turmoil than it was worth. In retrospect, I feel like I wanted to use the "power" of my position for some sort of good. But it was hypocritical to pose as one thing while secretly harboring my own plans behind the scenes. That brings no good to anyone. So for those who felt that I was living a lie and should step down...I was...and I did.
-
50
Resigned
by Franklin Massey ini finally resigned as an elder.
my conscience wouldn't allow me to continue.
i've battled for years trying to reconcile the fallacies of the wt society with my own personal beliefs.
-
-
Franklin Massey
I am treading very carefully when it comes to discussing my personal beliefs among the JWs. There are a select few people that I can speak to on a very select (read: small - and varying depending on each person's pet subjects) number of topics.
That being said, the Org is full of people who see the hypocrisy/flip-flopping/inconsistency/silliness of at least a couple of JW teachings. I have heard so many people remark on how ridiculous the recent anti-Vampire campaign has been. Also, many feel that the Society is being too hardline on education and other secular pursuits that are personal matters. The passion with which the WT is attacking trivial/conscience matters has become a bit of a joke among the followers. Many long-time JWs are also letting up on the idea of a rapidly impending, "It's right around the corner - nay, WE'VE TURNED THE CORNER!!!" doom and gloom story that is Armageddon. I had a sister tell me on Sunday that the failed Harold Camping May 21st rapture debacle is reminiscent of some old JW failed Armageddon hype. But that old Catholic, whoops, JW guilt kicked in and she concluded by adding, "Of course, we wouldn't set an exact date..."
-
50
Resigned
by Franklin Massey ini finally resigned as an elder.
my conscience wouldn't allow me to continue.
i've battled for years trying to reconcile the fallacies of the wt society with my own personal beliefs.
-
-
Franklin Massey
I finally resigned as an elder. My conscience wouldn't allow me to continue. I've battled for years trying to reconcile the fallacies of the WT Society with my own personal beliefs. I followed the Society's formula for those with doubts: Pray, study, meditate, service, meetings, "priveleges," repeat. Their plan backfired.
The more I prayed for God to help, the more I realized how childish and selfish my requests of (and belief in) a personal Father-like God who has chosen JWs as his special property were.
The more I poured myself into study, the more problems I found with WT doctrine.
The more I meditated, the more the mind control of the WT began to lose its hold on me.
The more I went in service, the more my conscience bothered me. How could I try to convert people to a religion that I don't even believe in?
The more I payed attention to meetings, assemblies, and conventions, the more I became troubled by the heavy persuasive tactics used to keep the followers in line.
The more responsibilities I took on in the congregation, the greater the distance became between me and the people I love the most. I was really just trying to keep myself busy as a distraction from the real issues I was having with my faith.
I can honestly say that, in trying to resolve my issues, I did things by the book, at least in the way the Society has set out for appointed men. I am a born-in with lots of family and friends in the Org. I wanted everything I believed as a JW to be right. But I was wrong and I had to face it. I am drastically reducing the amount of time and energy I put toward the Org. I don't know where I'll end up in relation to JWs but as for now, I'm heading toward a low activity/partial fade status.
Oh, and I am happier now than I have been in years.
-
-
-
Franklin Massey
Welcome. We share a similar story.
-
13
They don't even know their own doctrines...
by Leto ini had an interesting exchange on facebook with some random jw's on the april auxillary piosneering page.
seems they don't realize that the watchtower has set itself up as the mediator between the great crowd and jesus.
i post multiple watchtowers that outright say that "jesus is not mediator towards all mankind, but only 'spiritual israel', or the 144,000...".
-
-
Franklin Massey
This point was stressed in a talk by the DO at our recent Circuit Assembly. He said that for most in attendance, Jesus was not their personal Mediator. Rather, he is Mediator for the few chosen spirit annointed ones. To soften the impact, he added that this does not mean that we don't benefit from Christ's ransom and his example.
I wish I could set up an Assembly exit poll and ask those in attendance, "Is Jesus your Mediator?" I would be interested in the results. I have asked this question of several JWs before and most say, "Yes." When I say, "That is not what the Watchtower teaches," they act shocked until I explain the doctrine. Then they slowly recall hearing something like that somewhere. Then, they chalk up the error in applying the term "Mediator" to an issue of semantics. They feel comfortable with, "Jesus is their "Mediator" but he is my Savior and my way to approach God."
But I don't buy it when I read the scripture at 1 Timothy quoted above:
“There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all—this is what is to be witnessed to at its own particular times.” (1 Timothy 2:5, 6)
For the WT to then say immediately after the scripture that this applies especially to the 144,000 is going beyond what is written. You can't pick a scripture that says "all" get the mediation service and then say that it doesn't really mean "all" it just means "some."
-
116
Water Canopy? Huh?
by Mr. Falcon in*** w80 11/15 p. 23 par.
4 jehovah of armies to the rescue!
the fact that today we do not have a vast water canopy suspended high up in space and all around our globe and thus blocking direct sunlight, moonlight and starlight is because jehovah saw what was going on down here upon his terrestrial footstool and took action.
-
-
Franklin Massey
"Then I dropped the microphone and walked off stage."
Haha!
-
116
Water Canopy? Huh?
by Mr. Falcon in*** w80 11/15 p. 23 par.
4 jehovah of armies to the rescue!
the fact that today we do not have a vast water canopy suspended high up in space and all around our globe and thus blocking direct sunlight, moonlight and starlight is because jehovah saw what was going on down here upon his terrestrial footstool and took action.
-
-
Franklin Massey
The most recent mention of the water canopy appears on page 26 of the March 15, 2011 issue of The Watchtower.
NOOOOOOOO! Dang it! When I was researching this issue a while back I typed "water canopy" into the WT Library CD (probably the 2008-9 edition) and I recall the last article that mentioned it was from the early 80s. I thought, "well at least they aren't actively teaching it anymore." I should have known better.