Posts by Spiral

29

Anyone think Assemblies will stop?

by blownaway in

not completely but the expensive renting of halls or assembly hall ownership.

maybe with streaming they could have assemblies at the kh and stream the program.

i bet they cut costs in a lot of ways.

Spiral

I think they'll continue, because just having a video "assembly" at the kingdom hall/assembly hall (at least in the combination buildings I've seen in the past) is nothing special. Just like being at the meeting, only longer. The bOrg probably knows that the sheeples need something special to look forward to (ugh) and the assemblies kinda provide that. And, if you're single and a good little dub (no online dating allowed for you!) there really isn't anywhere else to meet anyone unless you're special enough to be on a KH build, or whatever the special privilege du jour happens to be.

But without the excitement of a new book release it is tricky. People in general don't spend unless they have something tangible in hand to connect it to.

But, going to all one and two day only assemblies in the future? Maybe.

118

Do You Think President Trump Is Doing a Good Job?

by minimus in

jw
friends

i think he is.

if you don’t want to put reasons for your yes or no, it’s ok. .

your vote,please?

Spiral

Haven't read all the comments but: no. He's despicable. Probably demented and is just the front man for other people. He lost me at the fake birther (Obama) thing several years ago.

55

LEAK: 3000 buildings to liquidate. How to choose? (Watchtower propaganda video)

by Fay Dehr in

https://youtu.be/pzdxen9rvw0.

as the leaked financial meetings show, watchtower (by it's own admission) has to liquidate 3000+ properties quickly.

how do they choose?

Spiral

It just gives me the creeps how they read a scripture for everything. Quoting Paul to give guidance on donations (in the modern sense) is just crazy.

Heard just today about two halls being "consolidated" because there are no "younger ones" (in this case, what was meant was 50-somethings) in the hall to help with the elderly. Once the one hall is gone the few elderly will not be able or willing to drive 37 miles to the next town down the highway to attend. I do think they'll lose a lot of attendance this way. But I'm sure they don't care as a) most of these elderly don't have a lot of extra $$ to donate; and b) they lie about the numbers anyway, so it doesn't matter.

I think the great push to build quick-build halls in rural areas (15 or so years ago) was a mistake, however. A property like that doesn't sell quickly in a rural town. No one needs it, certainly not for a big price. One I know of that sold is now a evangelical church, another is a church preschool. What a witness!

Serves them right.

28

NWT 1984 vs NWT 2013

by Tallon in

i recently had a discussion with a jw concerning a change in wording of a scripture - in fact this was my all time favourite scripture, namely, micah 6:8.. my view is that the wtbts have deliberately changed the wording and meaning of the said scripture.

the other person is of the opinion that that is not the case.

micah 6:8.

Spiral

Kindness and loyalty are not the same thing.

I did a quick google search of various translations and it's interesting how this scripture varies. That, in itself, reveals a problem with trying to be sure what the bible says. I'm not familiar with this website but it lists a lot of different versions, I would hope it is accurate.

https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/Micah%206:8

Edit to add: Della, we are on the same page!

42

JW Parents in bad shape with no retirement.

by blownaway in

my wife's parents are in very bad shape.

they are both 2nd gen jws.

my father in law worked for a large american manufacturing company in the 60s and early 70s.

Spiral

Hi Simon, my understanding is the higher-ups will be able to stay at Warwick forever. I believe they have carers (and/or a nursing home) on site to take care of them. If that's not true can someone please correct me.

But, meanwhile, there is nothing for all the ones of that generation that have saved nothing. The government that they have disrespected for so long now is their only lifeline for any care in their old age.

Sisters with "worldly" husbands (or widows, usually at this age) have funds because of non-JW family that earned a retirement for them.

What a mess.

78

So What Drastic Money Change is Next?

by OnTheWayOut in

jw
friends

okay, they cheapened the product by getting rid of hardcover books.

they reduced printing of mags.

they drastically reduced the number of pieces of printed paper that members would "place" in people's hands in various ways, the biggest one being that they put them on a cart and don't encourage people to take them.they cut d.o.

Spiral

I can't wait for that elder visit, by the way. No WAY is any more of my mother's money going to them!

78

So What Drastic Money Change is Next?

by OnTheWayOut in

jw
friends

okay, they cheapened the product by getting rid of hardcover books.

they reduced printing of mags.

they drastically reduced the number of pieces of printed paper that members would "place" in people's hands in various ways, the biggest one being that they put them on a cart and don't encourage people to take them.they cut d.o.

Spiral

I think they are going to figure out some sort of "theocratic" (gag) way to tithe, perhaps by making everyone set up a login to the website, and then guilting them into setting up a monthly contribution. Perhaps they will create a report on the congregation publishers and expect the elders to visit ones that don't contribute and coerce them into compliance.

Many "brothers" here have no money, so I fail to see how that will work long term, but I think the bOrg is worming their way into that requirement.

46

Season 1 Episode 1 A&E Cults and Extreme Belief (Video)

by TerryWalstrom in

https://www.aetv.com/shows/cults-and-extreme-belief/season-1it will post soon on site..

Spiral

JWS, I agree with you. So much was not covered. BUT the problem I experience is that when you talk to people who have not lived the total crazy of bOrgland, they just can't absorb it at once (I had this experience just this week). I think it would take a whole series to cover all the bat s*** crazy stuff that the bOrg puts people through. "Normal" people just can't picture it. I am glad they talked about the fear of Armageddon and the effect this has on children, and on the problem of "converting" pedophiles and sex offenders from the prisons. That particular problem I've seen myself, and the brothers were clueless as to the consequences.

And I think it's very powerful they are grouped in with all the other cults. Just that, in itself, speaks volumes.

Dagney, in this case I think the WT thinks that THEY are the victims. They could care less about the real victims, and they don't think the actual victims have any "rights" at all. I also hope this program gets lots of circulation.

46

Season 1 Episode 1 A&E Cults and Extreme Belief (Video)

by TerryWalstrom in

https://www.aetv.com/shows/cults-and-extreme-belief/season-1it will post soon on site..

Spiral

@jws, thanks, I did get to see the show the following morning when it posted to A&E's app. I couldn't watch it on regular TV because the only TV is in my mom's bedroom. It cost me a bit but worth it.

I thought the show was very good. If you haven't been a JW or experienced another high-control, cultish religion, it takes a while to understand what really goes on. The show was presented in such a way that "outsiders" could understand the dysfunction of the bOrg. I hope more coverage is coming!

I also hope this gave Romy some closure (if that's possible), this took a lot of courage on her part. And Barbara was awesome.

46

Season 1 Episode 1 A&E Cults and Extreme Belief (Video)

by TerryWalstrom in

https://www.aetv.com/shows/cults-and-extreme-belief/season-1it will post soon on site..

Spiral

OK, problem solved, $50 later...... My internet provider has me on TV service, but not FULL TV service (I just watch stuff on my computer, my mom has a smart TV, but we have basic cable with internet) so I had to agree to upgrade to get A&E to work. $50 extra a month, wow!

You can bet I'll be calling tomorrow to cancel (made sure I could), but at least I can watch the episode tonite!!