Posted by Marilyn on March 25, 1999 at 15:09:01 {MWKjrYqRskvMg}:
In Reply to: How honest is too honest? posted by J on March 25, 1999 at 09:55:43:
You said your motives for telling him would be purely selfish. I gather you mean that you want him to see your point of view? We all suffer from this need to justify ourselves - I know I did when I came out, and still do, I must confess. No matter how clear the justification is to you, it will be totally unfathomable to your dear old friend. Even if he had the mental agility to get his mind around your explanation of why you left, he needs his faith now. This is the one time it can truly serve him well. Any discussion that is not *upbuilding* in the JW sense of the word, can only make his remaining days troubled. I know you don't want that for him. If anything I'd be prepared to decieve him in the opposite direction perhaps implying that "rumours of your (spiritual) death are much exaggerated". I don't have a problem with lying if I believe it's in a noble cause. But that's just me. None of us that have come to know you a little J, doubt for a minute that you will handle this situation with great kindness and empathy.
warm regards
Marilyn