Posted by ExDub [ExDub] on November 30, 1999 at 08:35:25 {JEfy6n1mcIx23u1HzB2QYwT5J/kZ46}:
In Reply to: *Identity Crisis posted by Alan on November 30, 1999 at 06:40:15:
"No one is forced to be baptized.
"And having knowledge of the history and beliefs of the corporation is not relevant since a corporation we are not baptized into.
"You know, I don't ask questions.
I research and find that we are right."
Alan, the more I read of your posts, the more I think you are a shill, not a JW at all!
First of all, a 12 year old can be coerced into baptism. At 12 a person may barely be entering puberty and have all sorts of confusing feelings. In the congregation he may be somehow made to feel guilty for his feelings, so wants to prove himself and gain the approval of the older people he respects and wants to please.
So, he is "forced" into baptism. Pressured might be a better word.
You say you don't ask questions. If you don't have questions, why do you need to do research?
Also, your faith should be strong enough, your religion should be strong enough to stand up under questioning. If it isn't, or if you find yourself feeling defensive, then it is very likely that you are defending something false, and just *wanting* it to be true.
But all this is for naught, because the more I read of your posts, the more I doubt you are an active, in good standing, JW. Of course, it isn't my place to judge you. I don't know what your motives are.
ExDub