Posts by dougobrien2019

28

Remember when we lodged in private homes at conventions?

by FatFreek 2005 in

i bring this up now because i haven't seen any postings about that practice because i got out in 1977. when did wt quit soliciting private homes for accomodations?

or have they stopped?.

i hated it, but it was the only way we could afford to go.

dougobrien2019

I have vague recollections of going house to house asking for people to open their homes for JW's to stay in during the 1968 district convention in Toledo, Ohio. As a family we stayed overnight in a private home in 1967 for a circuit assembly. This was when they were three days, Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Looking back, I would never do it again. I believe the practice was disbanded soon after 1968.

I recall a hilarious experience about a JW sister. When requesting a room you had to put down pertinent information such as name, age etc. When she came to the part that said "sex" instead of putting male or female, she put the amount of times she had sex in a week! Just thought you'd like that one.

7

Newspaper Article from Ireland

by Lost in the fog in

a friend of ours in ireland sent me this link to an article covered in an irish newspaper.

“tell no one.” the particular dynamics of sex abuse within the jehovah’s witnesses - dialogue ireland.

https://dialogueireland.wordpress.com/2019/05/01/tell-no-one-the-particular-dynamics-of-sex-abuse-within-the-jehovahs-witnesses/.

dougobrien2019

That policy of punishing an informant is most reprehensible. The May 2019 WT discussing child abuse gives elders a loophole as far as reporting to authorities. They say that the elders can report cases of child abuse where such secular laws exist. That leaves an elder free to decide not to report an abuse if the law does not mandate that such cases be reported.

The Australia commission left me seriously questioning policy of WT because the men being questioned by Angus Stewart would not answer many of the questions with a direct answer, frustrating the bench and counsel. They way WT responded left me feeling that the ones who are supposed to be champions of truth were now skillfully dodging questions with misleading long winded answers.

I feel that instead of being shelters from the rainstorm that many elders are nothing more than bullies who enforce policy and leave the lives of congregants in emotional taters. A member is often made to feel that they are never quite good enough or doing enough for the cause. This goes contrary to Jesus saying that he is mild tempered and his load light.

I suffer from severe depressive disorder and can no longer take the pressure to excel that is constantly being promoted in the WT organization.

79

JWs Changing "Baptism Questions" Effective May 13?

by Room 215 in

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ja2 replies4 retweets12 likes.

reply.

dougobrien2019

Hmm? Interesting observation. I was baptized in 1971 when the second question involved being baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It was changed in 1985 and I didn't even notice, shame on me. The change to include "spirit directed organization" put a new spin on matters. The removal of "spirit directed" in the question leaves me scratching my head. I would be afraid to ask an elder why for fear of reprisal. Would the change in wording nullify my dedication? I have never made any formal declaration verbally or in writing.

In view of the recent scandal against WT regarding child abuse mishandling, I wonder if this would be the reason for WT to drop the spirit directed wording from the question? I do not have arguments or debates over certain doctrinal issues such as the sanctity of God's name, the position of Jesus Christ and his role, the power of Holy Spirit, the fulfilling of God's purpose for the earth etc.

I do take issue on the way WT has been endeavoring to make the GB a undisputable power over it's members, using bullying tactics and threats of expulsion and destruction of members who dare question their teachings or authority. I have been witness to the bullying tactics of several appointed men who have left a lot of damage in their wake, all in the name of Jehovah. Where, I ask, is the quality of love, compassion and mercy being displayed? I have been inactive due to poor health for over two years and have yet to get a "shepherding" visit. Love appears to be conditional only if you are a regular attendee and active in other pursuits. I have given much of my life to serve Jehovah without making waves. Now that I am sick and unable to participate as they think I should, I am a forgotten one. With so much emphasis being placed on making new converts, little effort is made to render assistance to those who have become inactive through no fault of their own.

20

Has the GB changed any published information on their JW Library?

by Tenacious in

in rummaging through some of my old cd's i came across a 2011 jw library disk.. i have the most recent home release on my pc but was wondering if anyone knows if the gb has deleted or changed any embarrassing or outdated doctrine.

i was going to throw it out but thought twice.. any info is much appreciated.. thanks..

dougobrien2019

One such misapplication is the 4th chapter of Proverbs verse 18. The context clearly is talking about the path of a righteous person as contrasting with an unrighteousness person, not new spiritual light being shed on Bible truth.

46

May 2019 Watchtower doubles down on the "Two Witness Rule" !

by stuckinarut2 in

this is simply disturbing and infuriating!.

the may 2019 wt has defiantly and arrogantly been released by the gb, and it is full of their disgusting excuses for not complying with authorities!.

(i have seen and read all the articles, but cant work out how to upload a link here - perhaps someone can assist?).

dougobrien2019

Reading through the May 2019 Watchtower on child abuse handling I find that the GB wants the general congregants to feel warm and fuzzy, that "big brother" has got your back. On page 9, paragraph 7 they call it a "sin" against the authorities. Clearly, it's a violation of law therefore a crime. The authorities are not a duly appointed organization of God. More compelling is page 10, paragraph 13. The question is asked at the beginning of the paragraph..."Do elders comply with secular laws about reporting an allegation of child abuse to the secular authorities? Yes. In places where such laws exist, elders endeavor to comply with secular laws about reporting allegations of abuse." I get the take from the way this is worded that if the law does not require the reporting of such a crime that elders will not do so.

Paragraph 16 still "protects" the abuser from judicial action in that there are not two witnesses to the abuse, the elders cannot proceed with judicial action. That the perpetrator is still allowed to remain in the congregation is brought out as flows "Even if the charge of wrongdoing cannot be established by two witnesses, the elders recognize that a serious sin may have been committed...The elders remain alert regarding the alleged abuser to protect the congregation from potential danger." All the while the victim would have to remain in close proximity to the abuser as he/she is still an active member although under suspicion. How can the elders provide ongoing support for such a victim??

Geoffery Jackson, while on the witness stand during the Australia Commission, was asked if Jesus would likely apply Deuteronomy 22:25-27 in a case involving child abuse where only one witness was involved instead of the two witness rule. The incident in Deuteronomy involved a case a woman who was raped and no one heard her screams. The man was to be put to death and the woman was innocent. Jackson kind of laughed and said he didn't know but said he hope to ask Jesus that question personally in the future. I got a hint of a cocky attitude from Jackson and his demeanor. Jackson also said that the two witness rule could involve "circumstances" of the case but he did not elaborate. I do not believe that WT policy or the elder's handbook ever say anything about the circumstances regarding the two witness rule. Correct me if I am wrong.

In paragraph 18 if a judicial hearing is formed and the abuser is "repentant", the elders out of concern for the welfare of children, may privately warn the parents of minors in the congregation to monitor their children's interactions with the individual. No such action is taken where there are not two witnesses and no judicial action has been taken against the accused.

In short, WT has taken a step in the right direction but has still not made any admissions of mishandling past cases or offered any apologies for such. This would probably undermine the faith of congregants and the image of WT something that they do not want to tarnish.

"Are you sure you are telling the truth about child abuse?"