No Inky – you are not over reacting; not one teeny tiny bit.

I guess this the moment and introduce myself. I’ll just give you a quick summation as I just joined up after stumbling upon TinyBuddah. I was raised as a JW from birth, and wrestled with my innersole in being part of an organization that claims not only to be the authority, but the only authority here on earth representing the one and only God – Jahweh , or their pronunciation of such being Jehovah. All other religions are not accepted in any way shape or form. There is only one “true religion” to a JW. Conform (no matter how you do it) or you’re out.

Rest assured, the cars over at your neighbour’s, were there for the exact reason you stated. While you may not be the Devil – in their eyes they are being tested by him. I’d be happy to answer any questions or provide insight on any observances you have.

I’m brand new here, so please do not see me as trying to “stir the pot” but I disagree with Anita on more points than I agree. I do agree the the Watchtower is organized extremely well. But regardless of how organized they are, they have deep rooted, fundamental problems within. It is not speculation either – it is fact.

The Watchtower/JW.org IS completely unreasonable. The fact that they are unable to question ANYTHING of substance, or think outside of the box they are given to think in is a sure indicator of this. Anita points out that they do indeed observe Anniversaries, but this does not make them “reasonable” by any means.

While disfellowshipping may have it’s potential wisdom and upsides, it also wreaks havoc on families. There is no middle ground.

And Inky, if you only need one eye opener (and there are LOADS) please consider the blood transfusion issues. While technology has come a long ways in past decades (bloodless surgery etc) it is still fact that you cannot accept a blood transfusion. If your life is on the line, or your childrens life is on the line a Jehovah’s Witness will choose death – for them or their children before one is accepted. There are documented cases of court ordered blood transfusions to infants in these cases.

Oh yeah…on the reasonability of JW’s, make sure you ask one why they -cannot- wear a beard and have an active role in their local congregation.

Hope I can be of assistance to you indeed. Take care.

mook