Posted by followthelamb on March 23, 1999 at 04:02:20 {MWDO5PxEKPUCA}:
In Reply to: ****What JWs do for fun posted by J.H. on March 23, 1999 at 00:19:41:
Very good point. I as a JW believe that I live a balanced life. That's one thing. But the truth is that the Society has us think that we're happier and in a better position morally and emotionally than any other group. Now that's the
issue. I have to from time to time handle problems of depression, gossip, back-biting of the friends in the congo. Also cases of youths living a life of drugs, immorality, drunkeness...while on Sat mornings out witnessing. So where is
the supposed "spiritual paradise" that we try to convince ourselves to believe? In general, JW's are more or less happy, but deep down they still feel pressured to think that they don't measure up, and that's the problem (whole-souled
service and a publisher card don't match). How is he doing? Well, let's check his publisher card......I find it totally frustrating to see CO's or other brothers give talks on how great we are compared to any other group, when in reality
we're no better than others when it comes to the same problems the whole world faces; divorces, abuse, etc., etc. The Bible's message can make us much better persons; but to say or imply that we, as an organization, are better than others
always sounds to me like the illustration that Jesus gave on the pharisee and the tax-collector.......who was more righteous? With this kind of environment no wonder many Witnesses suffer depression and an untold number commit suicide.
While each one has to decide for themselves, including practicus, let's all do what we can to live truly Christian lives without the fear of man so prevalent in the organization.