Posted by Friend [Friend] on November 24, 1999 at 15:05:08 {BlpRHB6gpchxaL3hj3H2OgnjR4Br/g}:
In Reply to: ***********For Friend posted by AF on November 24, 1999 at 14:00:49:
AF
You just don't seem to get it: when the Society utters words like you've quoted, they're being insincere. When they utter words like I've quoted, they're being honest.
That, AF, is precisely the problem. You determine what is honest versus dishonest. Your opinion is what determines bonafide. It amounts to saying, "My view is correct because it is my view." What fits your bias is accepted. What does not fit your bias is dismissed. There are words for that reasoning.
This is proved by the simple fact that being disfellowshiped or losing one's family because the Society applied the words I've quoted is a far better proof of their real intent than the fact that certain people in unusual positions, such as yourself, happen not to suffer adverse consequences for doing exactly the same thing that got others in hot water.
There you go again with the assumptions. You assume that all—or at least the majority—of JWs who have offered suggestions for change have been accused of apostasy or apostate leanings. That is not the case. You assume that such adverse experiences are paramount to contrary experiences, which should be just as well considered for determining cause and/or meaning.
As for my own experience, you keep harping that I am a special case. I have expressed my contrary views to the Society since long before being used in any "unusual" capacity. How do you explain that? If anything people in "unusual positions" are targets, which I have been a few times at the hands of hypersensitive friends. How do you explain that the Society regularly receives suggestions on needed changes without reacting with reprisal? How do you explain these things? Let me guess, "My view is correct because it is my view."
I suspect that if you were on the receiving end of the Society's unchristian and immoral policy, such as being DF'd and shunned by your family, you'd change your tune right quick.
Do you think I hold my brothers as little account(!)? Do you think my actions are because I feel only small change is in order(!)? Your comment above is no more than special pleading!
Friend