I don't know what made me think of the old saying, "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts." Cautious & innocent also spring to mind. Have a nice lunch and a lighthearted conversation.
The Searcher
JoinedPosts by The Searcher
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31
Lunch today with.. JW step father....
by raven init has been a while since i've posted, i think its because i have finally gotten some peace and quiet as far as harassment from the jw elders.. my step father, the one who reported me to the elder police for a sinful act invited me to lunch today.. it has been almost a year since the incident, we have talked here and there, it has been just casual though.
he says he is in town for work and asked if i would like to meet up for lunch, i couldn't think of any excuses so i agreed.. i hope it goes well, hope that we don't go into the jw nonsense.
hope he doesn't bring elders with him, am i paranoid or what?
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The Searcher
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Update on my fade.
by LogansRun inhi folks, i have not commented for awhile but i do stop by a few times a week to catch up and see whats new.
i also find the advice given to others is at times helpful to me also...now about my fade no meetings, service or any contact in over 3 months but they keep trying to call and at first they would leave a message on my voicemail but now they just keep hanging up and i know its them (i screen all of my calls).
recently they stopped by (in the evening) and buzzed me and thankfully no one let them in, i live in a locked secure building.
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The Searcher
Hi Logan, I know I'm repeating what may sound like a fader's mantra, but it works;
If anyone confronts/calls on you, do not be afraid and ignore them. Stand your ground and confidently (but humbly!) say, "Thank you so much for your concern, but I have private & personal issues which I can't discuss with anyone at the moment. If things change, I promise I'll call you." (rinse & repeat if pushed!)
You are drawing a line in the sand which they know they cannot cross - but only if you say nothing more.
The visits and questionings will abruptly cease, thanks to the K.H. gossip machine. I wish you well.
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JWs take a page out of the Trinitarian playbook to support the generation of 1914
by OneGenTwoGroups inback in the "good old days", i would look for people in my territory, especially ministers in order to debate the trinity with them.
it was my pet subject that i had spent many hours over several years researching.
i was such a good anti-trinity apologist that i was actually disappointed with the trinity brochure when it came out.
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The Searcher
"A nominal Catholic or Protestant usually doesn't understand the Trinity."
"Indeed, of all revealed truths [the trinity] this is the most impenetrable to reason.......the plurality of Persons in the Godhead is a truth entirely beyond the scope of any created intellect." (Catholic Encyclopedia - http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15047a.htm#IV)
If the religion who formulated it can't explain it......................
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Meeting Attendance levels
by freddo ini attended a sunday meeting today after missing a couple due to a bout of chronic apathy.
out of 74 publishers we had a grand total of 33. wonderful.
for those that attend, how are you finding the numbers?.
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The Searcher
Our "adopted", but seriously avoided KH, has approximately 80-90 publishers. On our very infrequent visits, I never count more than 50-55 in attendance.
Thanks STAN - another one bites the dust. The great "increase" rumbles on with the org's chariot.
http://www.hose-rhodes-dickson.co.uk/property/brading-road-ryde-86984.aspx
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...Technically the congregation owns it...
by Esse quam videri ini was talking to one of my customers about the newly replaced kingdom hall on westminster highway in richmond, b.c.
she does not know i used to be a witness.
she was telling me how the labour is all donated and they only pay for the materials.
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The Searcher
From the Britain Branch letter to all Bodies of Elders: November 1st 2016 -
3. Ownership: Each Kingdom Hall is dedicated to the worship of Jehovah. Whether the property title, or deed, is held in the name of a local corporation or trustee arrangement or it is held in the name of a legal entity managed by the branch office, no congregation should conclude that it "owns" the Kingdom Hall. However, it is the responsibility of the congregations using the property to care for it and see that it is used in harmony with Kingdom interests.
"Clarifies" the situation in no uncertain terms for any potential rebel elders/congregations.
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Let me get this straight I can greet a stranger who may be ax murderer
by poopie inbit i can't greet or say hello to a poor soul at the kh that's df please help me with this..
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The Searcher
You must remember that the org's teachings on "God's" laws state that they are zip/postcode applicable.
If the d/f'd person lives at your address, "God's" shunning law doesn't apply to you. If the person moves out into a house across the street, then you must treat them as "dead."
Two tier laws to match their two-tier Christians.
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My presentation (new one here!)
by Skepsis ini registered in the board and i wanted to present myself.. i used to visit this forum some time ago and even register an account but then i tried to convince myself all was ok in the congregation.
now, i'm coming back :).
i live in a southern european nation, i'm a young jw, a good example in the congregation serving as a regular pioneer and ms. for all in the congregation i'm the good guy, one of the best examples in the area i live.
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The Searcher
Skepsis - well done in waking up. Now take things easy and plan your fading carefully.
Changing congregations is an excellent decision, because no one will know you well enough to pressure you. However, if elders try to "encourage" you [interrogate you] by asking how they can "help" you, have your conversation stoppers ready;
"Thank you for asking, but I have personal & private things I have to deal with" or "There's nothing I can discuss with anyone at the moment, but if things change, I will talk with you."
By doing so, you are letting them know that your business is none of their business!
I wish you the very best journey.
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Are Gods true worshippers on Earth today? If they are not JWs then who are they?
by Formerbrother inis there gods true worshipers on earth today as jesus said there would be?
if they are not jws then who are they?.
who else comes close to being gods true followers today?.
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The Searcher
(Ephesians 4:5) "....one Lord, one faith, one baptism..." - no mention of there being one [true] religion.
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Has the rebranding worked?
by MrTheocratic init's been several years since the start of the rebranding of jehovahs witnesses.
i believe it started with the website change.
ever since then the religion has moved in a more modern direction.
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The Searcher
I genuinely believe that the rebranding has worked - to generate disillusionment and apathy amongst many average J.W.'s. who are bewildered at the predominantly "mute witnessing" trolley ministry, as well as the abominably scripted and sterile CLAM workbook & meeting. (not to mention the constant "donation" pleas)
Example: apart from the Bible reading which has to be 4 minutes or less, every single item in next week's CLAM meeting is based on a WTBTS publication - not the Bible! No room for personal expression or insight!
Otherwise, "zealous" ones are gulping it all down as they want to be more convinced than ever that the end must be near!
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Has there ever been a time when someone has been outed as a JW mole on this forum?
by Tenacious inhaving been a jw for decades i'm used to watching what i do, say, or watch, in fear of being snitched on.. therefore, i the question begs.. there have been instances, i won't say how, where i've felt some members are being deliberate in their attempt to feign support for the anti-jw rhetoric on this forum.. any input is greatly appreciated..
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The Searcher
Good question Tenacious!
As a J.W. once said, "Whatever happens in the world, happens in the org."
"Wordly" attitudes are prevalent and self-evident throughout the "true religion" - especially amongst those in authority.
Their "theocratic warfare" deludes them into believing that lying is justifiable in certain cases - such as outing an "apostate"?
If fading, divulge nothing incriminating in person or online.