Posted by Rick on March 19, 1999 at 10:10:20 {MWSZV6.08fSjY}:
In Reply to: Satire & FPP posted by a.j.w. on March 19, 1999 at 03:12:59:
Hi Andrew, I hear what you're saying but tend to agree with Cygnus in that satire is like a sharp instrument. It can be used as a weapon or a tool. This post was humorous in a sense, but came across as tearing down others who have devoted their entire lives to service in this religion. Is this the the expense of entertaining those who can't stand JWs? Satire on this site should be of the sort that is subtle enough to bring laughter to even a staunch JW while subtly bringing an awareness of what the satire is out to criticize. That is far more beneficial to that person than satire they interpret as a tasteless attack. We don't want to give anyone a reason to leave this site in disgust just so that a few can laugh heartily at their expense.
Someone emailed H2O a comment I tend to agree with; like Catholocism, Jehovah's Witnessism consists of sincere people willing to do anything to please God not caring what others think. This is a commendable trait, and a redeeming value I gained as one of JWs. The problem is that some people will poke for at you for trying too hard. You might have reached the end of your rope emotionally, found this religion, and are perhaps trying too hard to the point of overzealousness. Then there are others who are pointing fingers at you and making tasteless jokes, which that deleted satire post did without any consideration for others feelins. How would you feel, if you were in the shoes of that person? Who knows what problems you've had to overcome in your life and why you've decided to become a JW, or a Catholic, or any religion where there's a lot of self sacrifice and emphasis on earning your salvation? Someone in that predicament might have decided to stay with their religion through thick or thin, and if anything needs to find balance in that religion. Our web site might be one of the few opportunities we have to reach those who make the rules and have the power to help millions of our brothers and sisters find happiness as Christians. Why would anyone but those holding permanent grudges against a religion want to prevent someone from shaping that religion into something beautiful that God approves of? Charles Taze Russell is dead and buried. Can't we let him rest in peace and deal with our lives as JWs today?
Rick
Rick