To Stay, To Go, To Speak, To Keep Silent

[TheMdC]

In my short time here I have noticed that posters have several approaches to life within, or as the case may be, without the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Realizing everyone has their own life history and situation, some of which you may wish to keep private, I think a discussion about what you see as the pros and cons of our decisions would prove informative and encouraging.

I'll set my own up in a sort of Q&A format but of course you are free to structure your replies as you wish.

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and why?
I do. I believe it is a command at Hebrews 10:24, 25 to gather together and encourage one another. Although there is some discouragement in relation to the congregation, there is also encouragement there, as well. Also, the command is to gather and provide encouragement and is not prerequisite upon whether I receive encouragement there or not.

Do you speak out to the brothers about problems you see within the hierarchy of the organization?
Yes and no. I speak with my parents, who are also both Witnesses in good standing, because I trust them as the people who taught me to use my own mind to trust me in the way I am using it. Once, I had the gall to criticize a local decision of the body of elders and got a meeting that put me in my place (and interestingly didn't address a single one of my concerns). After that, I realized that there is really no point in trying to change things from within and that it would simply be better to keep my family prepared for what is to come.

What are the pros and cons of your decision about speaking out?
One positive of keeping things to myself and a small circle of family is that I am able to remain in a position in the congregation where I can teach what I know is true and attenuate, if not outright refute, what I know is not. This may seem to contradict my saying that I don't speak out; it doesn't. When one receives a talk outline, for instance, he can take that outline in many directions and still be following that outline. He can use the words on the outline or the words from the cited scriptures or the words from cited magazine articles or even some of his own.

For example, in the special talk on April 25 or 26 this year, did the brother at your Kingdom Hall lead the audience to the conclusion that all religions are wrong and that Jehovah's Witnesses are right? That wasn't on the outline, so I didn't say it. The outline was set up to let the speaker, and therefore the audience, draw their own conclusion on the matter based on scriptural principles. The fact that this outline toned down the hubris a bit tells me there is someone, and more likely several someones at Bethel who are still on the ball.

A negative of not speaking out directly is the frustration that can sometimes come from keeping things inside. But faith in Jehovah and the knowledge that injustice is always temporary helps alleviate that frustration.

Another negative is that sometimes a brother or sister will say something that is so absurd, even from the platform at times, that the desire to say something (or sometimes even LOL) burns inside. The uncertainty of whether keeping quiet is the best course of action is another negative.

I feel like in these last days it is important to be where one can see what's going on, to have a vantage point from which to base one's life decisions and lead one's family, and for me that place is within the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. When the system is ending and none of the legal corporations exist any longer, and we're all just people, it will be important to have our brothers by our side, imperfect as they (and we) are.

I could probably go on and on but I'd like to know how you all feel about the decisions you have made on such things, and what you feel are the pros and cons for you. And if you would like to comment on mine, feel free to do so. Looking forward to the discussions.

[Tsaphah]

In my short time here I have noticed that posters have several approaches to life within, or as the case may be, without the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Realizing everyone has their own life history and situation, some of which you may wish to keep private, I think a discussion about what you see as the pros and cons of our decisions would prove informative and encouraging.

I'll set my own up in a sort of Q&A format but of course you are free to structure your replies as you wish.

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and why?
I do. I believe it is a command at Hebrews 10:24, 25 to gather together and encourage one another. Although there is some discouragement in relation to the congregation, there is also encouragement there, as well. Also, the command is to gather and provide encouragement and is not prerequisite upon whether I receive encouragement there or not.

Do you speak out to the brothers about problems you see within the hierarchy of the organization?
Yes and no. I speak with my parents, who are also both Witnesses in good standing, because I trust them as the people who taught me to use my own mind to trust me in the way I am using it. Once, I had the gall to criticize a local decision of the body of elders and got a meeting that put me in my place (and interestingly didn't address a single one of my concerns). After that, I realized that there is really no point in trying to change things from within and that it would simply be better to keep my family prepared for what is to come.

What are the pros and cons of your decision about speaking out?
One positive of keeping things to myself and a small circle of family is that I am able to remain in a position in the congregation where I can teach what I know is true and attenuate, if not outright refute, what I know is not. This may seem to contradict my saying that I don't speak out; it doesn't. When one receives a talk outline, for instance, he can take that outline in many directions and still be following that outline. He can use the words on the outline or the words from the cited scriptures or the words from cited magazine articles or even some of his own.

For example, in the special talk on April 25 or 26 this year, did the brother at your Kingdom Hall lead the audience to the conclusion that all religions are wrong and that Jehovah's Witnesses are right? That wasn't on the outline, so I didn't say it. The outline was set up to let the speaker, and therefore the audience, draw their own conclusion on the matter based on scriptural principles. The fact that this outline toned down the hubris a bit tells me there is someone, and more likely several someones at Bethel who are still on the ball.

A negative of not speaking out directly is the frustration that can sometimes come from keeping things inside. But faith in Jehovah and the knowledge that injustice is always temporary helps alleviate that frustration.

Another negative is that sometimes a brother or sister will say something that is so absurd, even from the platform at times, that the desire to say something (or sometimes even LOL) burns inside. The uncertainty of whether keeping quiet is the best course of action is another negative.

I feel like in these last days it is important to be where one can see what's going on, to have a vantage point from which to base one's life decisions and lead one's family, and for me that place is within the congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. When the system is ending and none of the legal corporations exist any longer, and we're all just people, it will be important to have our brothers by our side, imperfect as they (and we) are.

I could probably go on and on but I'd like to know how you all feel about the decisions you have made on such things, and what you feel are the pros and cons for you. And if you would like to comment on mine, feel free to do so. Looking forward to the discussions.[/b]

Hello and Welcome to the Forum Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses,

At least that is the view I have of this forum. (Mt 18:20)

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and why?

I consider this my congregation. We have members from all over the earth gathered here. There is a moderator that will take action when a person gets out of line with their subjecr matter.

Do you speak out to the brothers about problems you see within the hierarchy of the organization?

Yes we do. And we don’t get disfellowshipped for it.

What are the pros and cons of your decision about speaking out?

Once again, we don’t get disfellowshipped for it. The only con would be that others here will let you know if you go too far. They will express their view openly without fear.

Agape,
Tsaphah

[TheMdC]

Thanks for sharing your views. I hope to see many more.

[noname]

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and why?
Yes. Because I would be isolating myself if I wasn't and I wouldn't recieve all the loving encouragement I get from my brothers and sisters. I also would not be able to encourage others. Also I would not be able to see the inner workings of Jehovahs People and compare it to the Babylonian system. I dont want to miss a single thing weather good or bad within the congregation, specially since it all has to do with prophecy. And its only 4 hours a week which isnt a big deal.

Do you speak out to the brothers about problems you see within the hierarchy of the organization?
I have a little bit to family and close friends. But I plan to speak out more in the future If I find its a good opurtunity to help someone.

What are the pros and cons of your decision about speaking out?
Losing favor with ones in the congregation that you care about. Pro, I would say its impowering to speak out and speak the truth. It frees you from the slavery of social oppression. Prepares you for more difficult battles in the future.

[watchman]

Welcome to the board MDC. It is good to have an elder on the forum, I assume you are an elder anyway since you gave the Special Talk this year. Anyway, I appreciate your balance and approach to the whole issue. You can do a lot more good on the inside than out. Like Paul advised: "Do not throw away your great freeness of speech." Solomon once said there is a time to speak and a time to keep quiet. I think there are more than a few brothers in oversight positions scattered around throughout the congregations and perhaps even at Bethel, who share our view of things, but who are laying low right now waiting for the right time to speak. At least, I want to believe that.

As an aside, I had an opportunity to speak the other day when two very kindly pioneer sisters knocked on my door. I told them right off that I was disfellowshipped and one of them asked: "Are you the brother who wrote the book?" I asked how she knew that and it turned out that I had run into a group on the street a few months back and spoke for a few minutes with an elder and gave him the short version of my story. Turns out she was in the car group and the elder told them about me.

Anyway, these two pioneers must have been dying to know what my issues with the Society were because they stayed at the door for probably 20 minutes, and probably would have stayed longer but the group they were working with was waiting at the end of the driveway. I encouraged them to keep doing what they are doing but I am pretty sure that they will not be able to easily shake out of their minds the notion I planted regarding the future judgment of the house of God and the reasons for it.

watchman

[Peter]

Hi Mdc and welcome to the forum

Unfortunately individuals within the brotherhood have misunderstood much of what's been said here at e-watchman and few realise the wider ramifications of what's been happening in the Watchtower.

I'm afraid speaking out is a one way ticket – if you have a family you have to think of the wider consequences that will have on them, especially if its immediate family. I have no objection to speaking out, many brave souls have done just that, faced the consequence and soldiered on regardless – my prayers are with them.

My advice to all – if you're still in the congregation stay there and remain subject to the elders regardless of whether you agree with then or not, just keep you head down and mouth zipped. The time will come to speak out that will be evident when the wall comes crashing down. In the meantime build-up you faith, fortitude and knowledge in Jehovah - his day is fast approaching.

If you are an elder you are in a privileged position – a real asset in this coming time of calamity, brothers will be more incline to listen to an elder than someone who doesn't hold much authority.

Look forward to you comments

Peter

[Desert Blossom]

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and why?

I consider this forum my cyber congregation. It's the only place I can have fellowship with like-minded believers.

I do not attend any meetings at the hall, save for one, the Memorial of Jesus' death. Even then, it's not like I'm attending a meeting with like-minded fellow believers. My beliefs are so different from theirs now.

Do you speak out to the brothers about problems you see within the hierarchy of the organization?

Yes, I do, and I haven't been DF'd for it yet because 1) I don't regularly associate with the congregation, I'm not a part of the congregation, I haven't turned in a time slip in over a year.

2) I have the goods on a few key people. They leave me alone because I leave them alone. They know that if they were to form a judicial committee and bring charges against me that I would come forward with documented "stuff." I'm the sister they want to sweep under the rug and forget about. So I'm very careful about who I talk to and how I do it. But I do it.

What are the pros and cons of your decision about speaking out?

I haven't encountered any cons in regard to speaking out.....yet. The pros are numerous:

The peace of God that excels all thought.

Truth is liberating.

I can sleep at night. ;)

Planting seeds of truth has always been a joy for me. Watching Jehovah make the seeds grow is the icing on the cake.

When I talk to brothers and sisters when the occasion arises, I use a lot of questions. Because Witnesses are only comfortable using their NWT and their publications, that's what I stick to. I never, ever try to get a brother or sister to read an "apostate" publication. There's no need. All the ammunition one needs is right there in the WT publications.

I think the method of posing questions has many benefits. It's non-threatening, it ignites a person's thinking processes, and it leaves me off the hook if the conversation doesn't go well. Instead of making a statement, I was just making a query, and we know there's no law against asking questions.

On occasion I have been so bold as to make a statement, but only by using the Bible in contrast with what is written in a publication. This usually leaves the person I'm talking to speechless. I don't push the situation, but just let it ride.

Seeds take time to germinate. They need sunlight, the right temperature, the right soil conditions, and the right amount of moisture, among other things. I think the same goes for the brothers and sisters I talk to. I'm not seeing a whole lot of fruits for my labors right now, but I anticipate that, Jehovah willing, there will be when the time is right.

In my own case, I gathered a lot of information (subconsciously) during the years, and then one day everything just went CLICK! It was like I had been staring at something that was a blurry and scrambled, then one day everything came into focus. Soon after that I found the e-watchman site, which helped to explain everything I was figuring out.

Every day brothers and sisters are becoming aware of the truth about the truth, it's an exciting thing to see happening and to be a part of.

[gertie]

Hi Mdc and welcome

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jw's, and why?

Yes I do but I'm finding it harder and harder to go. I looked at last nights 'agenda' and just thought 'I'm going to stay at home.' In the Org; I would be viewed as weak but many on here will understand. I have struggled with many bad situations in the past and we are going through a very difficul time at the moment because we dared show mercy to a disfellowshipped person James 2:13
When we attend meetings we don't need to ring a bell before us. Trust me I'm not lol :boohoo:

Do you speak to the brothers about problems you see within the hierachy of the organisation?

No I don't.... well not yet anyway. I realise elders don't want to help you with your questions no matter how sincere you are. Just one question = massive apostasy in their eyes. I think everyone realises that if you want to ask questions then you have to expect a Judicial committee and even then in most cases they will have pre judged you. Could you imagine the trouble you would be in if you asked why the GB feel that it is the FDS who have bought many to righteousness, W/T Feb 15th 2009 They "Keep Following the Lamb" page 28 para 18.

I thank Jehovah every day for keeping me close and sending His Son.
We will keep praying and if Jehovah wants us there we will go. I do believe though that the call to 'Get out of Her' has not come yet, Rev: 18:4.

xxxxxxxx

[shikinah]

Welcome to the forum TheMdc.
I have started to go back to meetings again, even though i find it difficult especially knowing the knew light on their judgement. But as someone else mentioned, i want to know whats happening from within, i want to know the true feelings of my brother and sisters, and want to be there for them to trust me, just incase there are things i may have to reveal to them in the near future, as they wouldnt listen to me if i just happened to stop them in the street. No i dont speak out, but i guess i may have to if and when things start to effect individuals spirituality.
Im just relying on Jehovah and he says we shouldnt forsake the gathering with our brothers, i just have to have faith that Jehovah will signal the time of urgency when to jump ship.

Sisterly Love
Jehovah

[TheMdC]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Not to hijack my own thread but is it cool to PM Watchman?

I ask because I thought I did, but the message is just gone. Not in my "Sent" box. And no response, either. I don't know if I messed up the "send" and it never got sent or if his PM box is blocked or something. Watchman?

[FutureMan]

Thanks for the responses so far.

Not to hijack my own thread but is it cool to PM Watchman?

I ask because I thought I did, but the message is just gone. Not in my "Sent" box. And no response, either. I don't know if I messed up the "send" and it never got sent or if his PM box is blocked or something. Watchman?[/b]

Hello again Mdc, I'm sure that watchman would be more than happy to receive your messages and probably your message has been sent but you need to tick the option on the bottom of the message form to make it appear in the sent items folder.
I'm presuming that this is your problem otherwise then there is a problem that you will need to contact the administrator about.

From FutureMan

[TheMdC]

Cool. Didn't notice that. Thanks.

[imjustaskin]

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and why?

I do. I have a husband and child very much part of the organization, number one. Number two, I am blessed to be in an amazing congregation, which I view as a gift. The love of the brothers and sisters, as well as most of the elders, keeps me on my feet.

Do you speak out to the brothers about problems you see within the hierarchy of the organization?

Yes and no. No, not directly, and no not to anyone but my husband, with whom I cannot sometimes contain myself! Correcting of the organization will only take place by Jesus and Jehovah. It's not my place, nor do I have the capability to correct the problems. And as for as the brothers and sisters, I know on a personal level, it took me a long time to see certain things. So, I came to believe for myself that Jehovah is working with each one of us, and it is not my place to interfere in that process. This was an extremely hard thing for me, since I am NOT known for keeping my opinion to myself!

There is a favorite quote of mine: Whenever you try to tell someone else what is right for them to do, you are trying to get between that person and God. This does not serve you, God, or the other person. And I BELIEVE IT!


What are the pros and cons of your decision about speaking out?

Pros: Because I am not an "adversary" I am able to influence my husband and daughter in a healthy way, adding a bit of balance to the equation. I can always approach things from another point of view, to turn things more toward Jehovah and less toward men.

Cons: Frustration! I know sometimes if anyone was ever watching my face during the meeting, someone would see my occasional total shock over some of the things said. It's hard to keep it inside. This board is HUGE help. I can honestly say if it weren't for this board, the frustration might keep me from being able to go to the meetings and still get the good things.

MDC said...
Another negative is that sometimes a brother or sister will say something that is so absurd, even from the platform at times, that the desire to say something (or sometimes even LOL) burns inside.

Very true! Very very true!

BTW, what does MDC stand for???

[TheMdC]

Just a pseudonym: The Marquis de Carabas was the name of a character in the classic fairytale "Puss in Boots" and also in the miniseries and novel "Neverwhere."

[Nash]

Welcome to the board MDC. It is good to have an elder on the forum, I assume you are an elder anyway since you gave the Special Talk this year. Anyway, I appreciate your balance and approach to the whole issue. You can do a lot more good on the inside than out. Like Paul advised: "Do not throw away your great freeness of speech." Solomon once said there is a time to speak and a time to keep quiet. I think there are more than a few brothers in oversight positions scattered around throughout the congregations and perhaps even at Bethel, who share our view of things, but who are laying low right now waiting for the right time to speak. At least, I want to believe that.

As an aside, I had an opportunity to speak the other day when two very kindly pioneer sisters knocked on my door. I told them right off that I was disfellowshipped and one of them asked: "Are you the brother who wrote the book?" I asked how she knew that and it turned out that I had run into a group on the street a few months back and spoke for a few minutes with an elder and gave him the short version of my story. Turns out she was in the car group and the elder told them about me.

Anyway, these two pioneers must have been dying to know what my issues with the Society were because they stayed at the door for probably 20 minutes, and probably would have stayed longer but the group they were working with was waiting at the end of the driveway. I encouraged them to keep doing what they are doing but I am pretty sure that they will not be able to easily shake out of their minds the notion I planted regarding the future judgment of the house of God and the reasons for it.

watchman[/b]

That's very interesting. I'm surprised that the elder mentioned the book at all.

Wow.

Nash

[FGM]

Thanks for the opportunity to explain

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and why?

The reason I go is because we are encouraged to encourage our B/S.
"Not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together." I find that when I go I can often help someone and give a hearing ear to their frustrations. However, my purpose is not to tear down but to build up. Especially when the meeting program has been focusing on the " you need to do more" type of pressure, I try to show appreciation for the efforts many are putting in to try to keep up with the demands of being a witness. They are really happy to hear it.


Do you speak out to the brothers about problems you see within the hierarchy of the organization?

I don't speak out openly but I try to subtly bring the topic round to see what the reaction is. Some immediately frown so I just change the subject but some are open to hearing more. I have been surprised that when I talk with some about the WTS and it's problems they are happy to see that someone has been thinking the same way as them. They need to express themselves just like we can on this forum but they have no outlet.

What are the pros and cons of your decision about speaking out?

I definitely feel that one of the good points is that I myself can leave the KH knowing that I have sowed a seed of thought in someone's mind and that they hopefully will actually start thinking about what they are doing, what they are believing, rather than just be an automaton and "follow the slave" no matter what. I really think that Jehovah does use individuals in the congregations to stimulate others thinking especially to see that all is not well in the organisation. I like to think I am one of them.

[panda]

I'm really encouraged to see some of my b/s still attending meetings knowing the truth about the organization, or WTS.

If one can stay as Watchman said, its better as we can still be built up by association with our b/s, and for those that have family, and friends that they have had for a long time. Also still some of the spiritual food is nourishing and we take the good with the not so palatable.

In the end it is Jehovah we worship and love, and his word we try to live by and understand.

[TheMdC]

Also, when the entire system infrastructure collapses, whether the GB is still there or not, it isn't likely we'll be hearing from them on a regular basis, so during the tribulation it's going to be just us brothers & sisters working together. It's going to be important to have people who aren't limping along under outdated misunderstandings that the brothers feel they can listen to.

[panda]

Also, when the entire system infrastructure collapses, whether the GB is still there or not, it isn't likely we'll be hearing from them on a regular basis, so during the tribulation it's going to be just us brothers & sisters working together. It's going to be important to have people who aren't limping along under outdated misunderstandings that the brothers feel they can listen to.[/b]hello MDC, we will be under the direction of our King Christ Jesus, those that want to act like good sorts will soon have to come into line. Its about Gods sheep not those ruling, without the sheep there would be no need for shepherds, its a service, we are all brothers in submission to accomplish Jehovah's will.

Unfortunately I see the GB today have already decided to rule without the rest of the body. 1Cor 4:8

With the attitude of the GB today, what do you think?

[shikinah]

Thanks for the opportunity to explain

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, and why?

The reason I go is because we are encouraged to encourage our B/S.
"Not to forsake the gathering of ourselves together." I find that when I go I can often help someone and give a hearing ear to their frustrations. However, my purpose is not to tear down but to build up. Especially when the meeting program has been focusing on the " you need to do more" type of pressure, I try to show appreciation for the efforts many are putting in to try to keep up with the demands of being a witness. They are really happy to hear it.


Do you speak out to the brothers about problems you see within the hierarchy of the organization?

I don't speak out openly but I try to subtly bring the topic round to see what the reaction is. Some immediately frown so I just change the subject but some are open to hearing more. I have been surprised that when I talk with some about the WTS and it's problems they are happy to see that someone has been thinking the same way as them. They need to express themselves just like we can on this forum but they have no outlet.

What are the pros and cons of your decision about speaking out?

I definitely feel that one of the good points is that I myself can leave the KH knowing that I have sowed a seed of thought in someone's mind and that they hopefully will actually start thinking about what they are doing, what they are believing, rather than just be an automaton and "follow the slave" no matter what. I really think that Jehovah does use individuals in the congregations to stimulate others thinking especially to see that all is not well in the organisation. I like to think I am one of them.[/b]


Your right Panda its better if we can stay in the organisation, but the watchtower last week was difficult to take in, as some of the comments were so self righteous. We were pointed out that we wont be the ones in the picture which depicted armageddon, that all the witnesses will be protected. This type of thing is what causes complacency.

Elizabeth

[TheMdC]

<div class='quotemain'>Also, when the entire system infrastructure collapses, whether the GB is still there or not, it isn&#39;t likely we&#39;ll be hearing from them on a regular basis, so during the tribulation it&#39;s going to be just us brothers & sisters working together. It&#39;s going to be important to have people who aren&#39;t limping along under outdated misunderstandings that the brothers feel they can listen to.[/b]hello MDC, we will be under the direction of our King Christ Jesus, those that want to act like good sorts will soon have to come into line. Its about Gods sheep not those ruling, without the sheep there would be no need for shepherds, its a service, we are all brothers in submission to accomplish Jehovah&#39;s will. [/b][/quote]
The true congregation already is and always has been under the direction of Jesus Christ.


Unfortunately I see the GB today have already decided to rule without the rest of the body. 1Cor 4:8

With the attitude of the GB today, what do you think?[/b]
Hubris is always justly rewarded. There is still time (a little) for individuals to humble themselves. As a group, though...it&#39;s not easy to be optimistic.

[kim-bo]

In my short time here I have noticed that posters have several approaches to life within, or as the case may be, without the congregation of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses.

Realizing everyone has their own life history and situation, some of which you may wish to keep private, I think a discussion about what you see as the pros and cons of our decisions would prove informative and encouraging.

I&#39;ll set my own up in a sort of Q&A format but of course you are free to structure your replies as you wish.

Do you still attend meetings in a congregation of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses, and why?
I do. I believe it is a command at Hebrews 10:24, 25 to gather together and encourage one another. Although there is some discouragement in relation to the congregation, there is also encouragement there, as well. Also, the command is to gather and provide encouragement and is not prerequisite upon whether I receive encouragement there or not.

Do you speak out to the brothers about problems you see within the hierarchy of the organization?
Yes and no. I speak with my parents, who are also both Witnesses in good standing, because I trust them as the people who taught me to use my own mind to trust me in the way I am using it. Once, I had the gall to criticize a local decision of the body of elders and got a meeting that put me in my place (and interestingly didn&#39;t address a single one of my concerns). After that, I realized that there is really no point in trying to change things from within and that it would simply be better to keep my family prepared for what is to come.

What are the pros and cons of your decision about speaking out?
One positive of keeping things to myself and a small circle of family is that I am able to remain in a position in the congregation where I can teach what I know is true and attenuate, if not outright refute, what I know is not. This may seem to contradict my saying that I don&#39;t speak out; it doesn&#39;t. When one receives a talk outline, for instance, he can take that outline in many directions and still be following that outline. He can use the words on the outline or the words from the cited scriptures or the words from cited magazine articles or even some of his own.

For example, in the special talk on April 25 or 26 this year, did the brother at your Kingdom Hall lead the audience to the conclusion that all religions are wrong and that Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses are right? That wasn&#39;t on the outline, so I didn&#39;t say it. The outline was set up to let the speaker, and therefore the audience, draw their own conclusion on the matter based on scriptural principles. The fact that this outline toned down the hubris a bit tells me there is someone, and more likely several someones at Bethel who are still on the ball.

A negative of not speaking out directly is the frustration that can sometimes come from keeping things inside. But faith in Jehovah and the knowledge that injustice is always temporary helps alleviate that frustration.

Another negative is that sometimes a brother or sister will say something that is so absurd, even from the platform at times, that the desire to say something (or sometimes even LOL) burns inside. The uncertainty of whether keeping quiet is the best course of action is another negative.

I feel like in these last days it is important to be where one can see what&#39;s going on, to have a vantage point from which to base one&#39;s life decisions and lead one&#39;s family, and for me that place is within the congregation of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses. When the system is ending and none of the legal corporations exist any longer, and we&#39;re all just people, it will be important to have our brothers by our side, imperfect as they (and we) are.

I could probably go on and on but I&#39;d like to know how you all feel about the decisions you have made on such things, and what you feel are the pros and cons for you. And if you would like to comment on mine, feel free to do so. Looking forward to the discussions.[/b]