Posts by core

29

questions about 1975 and other dates

by Leander in

jw
friends

my wife and i were discussing the date of 1975 earlier this week and she basically was of the opinion that the individuals who thought the end was coming in that year came up with the date based on their incorrect assesment of published information.

i replied that would it make sense for thousands of people across the continent to sell their homes and all of their valued possesions if they really had the slightest doubt that armageddon was not coming in 1975. she did'nt have an answer for that retort but still she insisted that somehow these people must have made a mistake in their judgement.

so for those of you who may have lived through the 1975 fiasco and those who have in-depth knowledge about the events that took place in that year maybe you can answer a few questions for me.. how widespread was the belief that 1975 was the year of armageddon?

core

For those of us who lived through from the sixties until after 1975 we know that not mere hints were given -

In one year leading up to 1975 Circuit Oversser had a special Saturday evening mtg with just cong members (from an outline) to go through the chronology.

No one in the audience was given achoice - this was "received truth" "absoutley correct" "undisputable" - sadly we swallowed that crap

Many I know personally made great sacrifices of themselves and family and they have suffered as a consequence. ANy apologist for the WT and 1975 is either clinically mad, a liar, or deceived beyond hope of reclaim. Those who lived through the period know of the fervour etc whipped up - we did not invent this ourselves or become over excited.

29

Qualifications of Elders

by iiz2cool in

jw
friends

in my experience with elders in the past i was counseled for many things, most trivial and stupid, but some were serious issues.

one thing i noticed was that the elders always seemed to approach issues with some preconceived ideas, or they would try to read between the lines rather than actually listen to what i was saying.

others i know have had similar experiences.

core

I have known a couple of elders that were good elders. They were merciful, caring and fair. I truly respected these elders. But of these elders that I did trust, none were trained or qualified to handle the emotional, physical and spiritual damage of an abused(sexual or otherwise) person. Nothing against those elders. They would want to do the right thing, but their training is lacking and so is support from the WTS.

Yes - actually it is unfair to expect that the elders are capable in all such areas - the problem is that the WT proijects an illusion that suggests the elders ARE capable in all areas when the poor souls are not. This leads to massive problems as they try to handle situation which are beyond them and often make things worse. The almost complete rejection of 'outside' help adds to this.

Many elders are not fit to clean out the stables - but many are kind and considerate, hard working and compassionate - but they are not police officers, social workers, maarriage guidance counsellors, rape therapists etc etc - when the WT projects that elders are spirit appointed = 100% competent - it does itself its biggest harm

2

IS THE WATCHTOWER GUILTY OF TREASON?

by Dansk in

my dictionary defines treason thus: the crime of betraying one's country, especially by attempting to overthrow the sovereign or government.. queen elizabeth ii is the united kingdom's reigning monarch and she is also head of the anglican church.

now, as we all know, jws are forbidden to go to war to defend their country and they are also proud of the fact that their ministry includes presenting the watchtower and awake magazines.

the watchtower, especially, has frequently depicted various governments being overthrown by jesus and the jws believe that unless one becomes a jw one will die at armageddon - and that includes queen elizabeth ii, all her family and her uk government.. in other countries, monarchs, presidents, spiritual leaders and all their followers are threatened with complete annihilation.. surely, espousing such a message is tantamount to treason and, as far as i know, this law has never been repealed in the uk.

core

Late reply but..

Treason is not a crime in the UK .." Encompassing the Death of the Sovereign".. is a crime - one of a handful that carries the death penalty still...

28

Ex-Elders Comments Invited For Another CD:

by Englishman in

jw
friends

ok, good people, another swipe at brooklyn is afoot!.

this is the plan.

remember the recently released cd's that covered much of the earlier wt material before it had been sanitised?.

core

Sounds great - just looked at my old PA book and the copious notes made and remember how many wondered WHY we had certain instructions/directiomns but were never told the reason, the why - we guessed usually - the reason was to protect the branch and HQ and *** the local elders.

29

Do You Kick Yourself For Going To Meetings When You Were Sick or During....

by minimus in

jw
friends

inclement weather ?

i remember having to wait until just about the last minute to call my bookstudy to tell them whether or not a meeting was being held or not.

and these poor people hoping to enjoy a legitimate meeting off would be told by the elders whether they were expected to go or not.

core

"the provision should be available" and that those who did not wish to travel could simply decide not to.
I disagree with that notion strongly. In order to make the "provision" of a meeting available, there are still many who have to travel - elders, Ms's their families, people delivering parts, etc. And there will always be those who feel guilty and will take the risk.

rocketman - exactly - another form of emotional pressure. I cancelled meetings (including some in the CO Visit) when extreme weather made travel v dangerous - he did not like it but then he was usually sick and missing anyway. Old faithful ones would always drag themselves out to risk death from pneumonia, freezing to death in KH or a car crash in blizzard conditions - someone had to think for them - I was always amazed at the desire of everyone to wait to see what would be arranged, not take any responsibility for themselves but put the burden for a decision on the PO - boy it feels great now not having the consciences of all those to salve.

17

Theocratic Terms Explained.?

by core in

jw
friends

remember the old issue in the ministry school guidebook re theocratic terms.

well can i ask for some one to help me with " posting terms explained " .

i know i have had a sheltered life but what do those acronyms mean - btw lol borg (i can guess that one but it could have a number if subtle differences) etc etc i think i can guess some of them but can anyone give some definition to all those odd little expressions used in posts here - which are fine if you know the meaning - but for boring old ***** like me i havent got a clue?

core

Thanks all for that - opens my eyes - I always thought IMHO was another poster.

Now...Whats the longest post anyone can make (sensible) using only the abbreviations / codes ?.... No prizes....only a chance to boost your ego.

9

How much do CO's make?

by Smyler in

jw
friends

how much money do co's make?

our co is coming this week, i'm just going on sunday, so i was just thinking.

core

Whats a "Q45" ??

2

Need some legal advice(UK)

by Gadget in

jw
friends

my brother is having some problems with a violent ex-boyfriend, which resulted in him getting beaten up last weekend.

he's been to the police about it, and they adviced him to take out a restraining order, which would mean his ex would be arrested if he came within 200 yards of him, but this would cost 1500 pounds to get a solicitor to arrange this.

he cannot afford this, and is not eligable for legal aid.

core

COsts are of the order of £800 -£1200

As already advised seek the CABs help - difficulty is that the advisors are all helpful but generalist except in rare cases, alternatively find local Gay Right group who will also be able to help.

For the assault that has happened press the Police to prosecute - this may act as a deterrent

Yes you can represent yourself in court in requesting a Restraining Order but it is complex and almost designed to put the non-lawyer off.

If necessary press the CAB & or GR group to pressure the police to prosecute.

Magistrates Courts now could make an ASBO if the case for the assault went ahead (Anti Social Behaviour Order - banning from certain places etc)

The difficulty with a Restraining Order is that it likely won't stop anyone causing a nuisance and requires further involvement with the Police to have the Order enforced - all very messy and the police are not on tap - potential major problems facing harassment and waiting for the police to respond. Yes the Police COULD arrest this man if he came within 200 yards of your brother but if he (the ex-boyfriend) is violent then violence is likely before anyone can enforce the order. The costs of such an order do not guarantee safety and you need to think of other practical steps for the safety of your brother.

17

Theocratic Terms Explained.?

by core in

jw
friends

remember the old issue in the ministry school guidebook re theocratic terms.

well can i ask for some one to help me with " posting terms explained " .

i know i have had a sheltered life but what do those acronyms mean - btw lol borg (i can guess that one but it could have a number if subtle differences) etc etc i think i can guess some of them but can anyone give some definition to all those odd little expressions used in posts here - which are fine if you know the meaning - but for boring old ***** like me i havent got a clue?

core

Remember the old issue in the Ministry School Guidebook re Theocratic Terms.

Well can I ask for some one to help me with " Posting Terms Explained "

I know I have had a sheltered life but what do those acronyms mean - BTW LOL BORG (I can guess that one but it could have a number if subtle differences) etc etc I think I can guess some of them but can anyone give some definition to all those odd little expressions used in posts here - which are fine if you know the meaning - but for boring old ***** like me I HAVENT GOT A CLUE? Too many wasted years in the WT to have picked up "post speak"

I have worked out DUB (took me some time but then I was a faithful elder for years so you can't expect me to have any common sense)

How about an alphabetic guide - Sort of the Insight Book only shorter ?

97

My wifes and I meeting with two elders. Their true colors shine through

by Winston Smith :>D in

i thought id give you an update re whats going on.

my qing the wts of recent has been very hard on my wife.

if i could, i would change my timing of doing so, but its just the way it has happened.

core

Winston

Brilliant work and support for your wife. Your support is vital to her and I would only just add to the wise words already posted that you need to make sure you are receivng all the help and assistance YOU need as it is vital that you are there for your wife. I am sorry for not knowing what you can do except that I can see the danger of you being driven down by the constant stress and pressure - if any real help is there take it - if you can talk to someone do so... you have taken charge of the situation and I would only add KEEP IN CONTROL - keep the plumber, the baker and the candlestick maker out of your way and do things your way.

So many hearts and minds are with you in this...... Keep Control, keep the dubs at bay, seek whatever help you can...

If you were my son I would be so proud of you!