Posted by OpenMinded [OpenMinded] on November 08, 1999 at 13:00:14 {Nq8EnQ8RVAyyyxOLLpGszeP4q6oVPY}:
In Reply to: LA: Why JWs Leave WTS posted by Amazing on November 08, 1999 at 11:41:57:
It's frightening to realize just how little formal training the elders have, especially in light of how much influence and say-so they have over the life of the people under their charge. Plus there is NO accountability for disfellowshipping or reproving the accused. That decision is pretty much being left to the discretion of the body within the congregation, with a patent approval coming afterward from New York. In my experience, the when there is doubt as to what to do when a disfellowshipping offense may have happened, popularity is what rules the day. Men,
If the average person who answered their door at the knock of a JW realized exactly what it entailed to allow their lives to be consumed by the witnesses I don't believe they'd ever open that door. Too bad there's not a disclaimer the witnesses have to wear around their neck when they're out preaching. Kindof like having surgery.. these are thing things that can go wrong: and then a list. So many innocent people are lured by the seductive promises and the brightly colored pamphlets describing a "paradise earth." And once in, so many are so scared to leave, as well.. for fear of losing everything and everyone they know.
Another thing that I find interesting is how many people have the same stories and observancees, without ever speaking to one another. The things that my husband and I have said about the witnesses since we've left are what's being said on this board by hundreds of others. Someone mentioned the Society being a "Publishing Company." My husband called it that several years ago.
ok.. nobody cares.. *L* it's nice to be able to vent and share with like minds and souls things that the everyday joe would never be able to comprehend. thanks for the symaptico, fellow readers.