Do Jehovah’s Witnesses genuinely care about the general well-being of ordinary people beyond the confines of their religion? Such a question might sound strange to some, but after taking a closer look into their interaction with the public it becomes not only reasonable, but necessary.
If you posed the question to a Jehovah’s Witness at your doorstep you’d likely get a lengthy monologue describing his or her organization as the most “loving” on the earth.
But do Witnesses really care about people outside of their bubble? A recent troubling development in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, brings that question into sharp focus.
Jim Mura’s life plans were tragically altered when he suffered a traumatic brain injury in a freak ocean swimming accident. Suddenly, his lifestyle was one where simple communication and movement was extremely difficult. His wife, Janet, became his caretaker.
The two of them had reason for concern when their local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses decided to build a kingdom hall next door.
You see, one of the few joys in Jim’s life is gazing at the Sandia Mountains, a view of which is afforded to him by his dining room window. But having learned that the new kingdom hall would obstruct this view, the couple decided to confront the Jehovah’s Witnesses with their concerns.
They received verbal assurance that the hall would be built so that Jim’s view would not be blocked.
Once the concrete was poured, Jim and Janet were shocked to find out that the kingdom hall was being situated in a position that would indeed block his view of the mountains.
Again they confronted the Witnesses and discovered that the decision had been made in spite of their agreement.
If the Witnesses had upheld their agreement with the Mura’s and complied with their wishes, the parking lot for the kingdom hall would lose the space for three vehicles. These few parking spaces were thus deemed more important than the needs of a severely disabled neighbor.
As a group that professes to be the only true Christians, shouldn’t Watchtower’s love for their literal neighbors be of paramount concern? Should it not supersede any material or strategic gain?
I was a member for over two decades, and will always remember a common mantra: “let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no.” (James 5:12) I recall this concept being drilled into my mind from a young age. So, it’s astonishing for me to witness an entire congregation’s refusal to uphold such a simple agreement with a person in need, namely that he could continue to have access to an attribute that directly influenced the purchase of his property.
Tragically, the law sits on the sidelines on this one. Morally, what’s happening is loathsome, but the Watchtower is breaking no actual laws. All that can be done is to protest peacefully against this moral travesty as it unfolds, and raise awareness.
If you would care to show your support for Jim and his wife, please visit their official Facebook page: Save Jim’s View.
Even with the concrete poured, I imagine there are still creative ways to grant Mr Mura his wishes. Hopefully, Watchtower will have a change of heart and allow his current quality of life to be uninterrupted. Only time will tell.
Further reading…
I have great sympathy for Jim Mura and his wife, I can’t even imagine the challenges they face resulting from Jim’s accident. One cannot blame him for enjoying a beautiful view gazing out of dining room window.
However, in all fairness to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and those who know me know with what regard I hold the GB of JWs, when one buys a property, they are entitled to use their land however they choose.
What if it had been Walgreen or McDonalds who purchased the property, would it be fair to them to impose restrictions on where and how they could build on their own property?
What if you bought that piece of land for yourself, would you like someone guilting you into perhaps changing your house plans?
Yes, it would be nice if he could have a nice view out of his dining room window. Perhaps if we concentrated more on the things we have to be grateful for, than the things we don’t have, we might all be happier.
This is for me, a delima. I think we have to choose our battles carefully. It is fair to call this a moral issue? Perhaps the one who said they would not block his view did not have the authority to speak on behalf of the construction project.
Obviously there is no legal basis for not blocking someone’s view. Perhaps the Mura’s should have purchased the land themselves if the view was that important to them.
I have great sympathy for Mr Mura, but because we have an accident, or an illness or some other dire circumstances, does any body owe us something special?
I have many elderly and handicapped living in my area. Hardly any of them can be accommodated with what brings them pleasure.
Life is often unfair and none of us is immune to having our plans changed or even destroyed. We have to play with the hand we are dealt in life.
IMHO, I am not at all sure this is a battle I want to become involved with just because Jehovah’s Witnesses have disfellowshipped me. I see no need to vilify every single thing they do.
Some may call me callous and heartless, and they are entitled to their opinion of me. I am only trying to keep a balanced view and keep things in perspective.
Just ask yourself one question…if Jehovah’s Witnesses were not involved in this, would you even be concerned at all?
The loving and Christian thing to do would be accommodate this request and arrange the build to maintain Jim’s view of those beautiful mountains. To loose only 3 parking spaces is a small sacrifice to make in order to avoid this frankly embarrassing situation for the local congregation. I hope they change their minds quickly or they will find that there is no hope of giving a “Witness” to anyone in this community!
The congregation should be taking this advice to heart:“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
@imacountrygirl
I read your comments just after I posted mine – You do have a valid point. We cannot guarantee that the views we enjoy from our homes will always be there. I would have though that there would have been some consultation with the neighbours regarding the building of a church in a residential neighbourhood. I am interested in seeing what happens with this situation.
T
I think Iamcountrygirl has it right.
This is not a battle I would choose to get involved with. Property rights are at issue here, nothing more.
All of us are subject to the same issues, even if we feel compassion for Jim’s needs, it does not change the heart of the matter. Simple property rights.
Mozda jehovini svjedoci zele da Mr Mura gleda u planine sa njihovog prozora sa objasnjenjem tko je sve stvorio . Jehovini svjedoci zele da Mura u potpunosti uziva u pogledu sa njihovog prozora .
MacDonald’s do not profess to be either christian or loving and certainly do not claim to love their neighbours and as a large corporation, no, I would not expect them to appreciate the needs of a disabled man at all and only their own profits. Oops, I just realised that is exactly what the Watchtower Society is but using the guise of religion in order to claim charitable status to avoid paying tax. They let the curtain fall a bit there and we see how they really feel about their neighbors. If they had been clever they could have gained some wonderful publicity extolling their own virtues by being accommodating to their neighbour’s wishes.
The issue, I believe, is not wether is legal, moral or if we are attacking the right of the WT to build as they see fit. The issue here is that they had already agreed to please the man but then they retracted without notice. Here in Texas we just remodeled our KH and the new parking spaces created are so broad, you get about 4-6 ft on each side of your car (up to the yellow line) All in exchange for three parking spaces. Had they decided to grant the man’s wishes, we would be hearing about it in the next assembly. They would tell you how the sacrificed 6 parking spaces (or the equivalent of anyway) for this man.
Good point Amelia and imacountrygirl.
This is a private matter between this unfortunate gentleman and the congregation and the regional building department.
I think that the quality of life of this poor chap is worth three parking spaces. That’s my opinion.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
Well you see that’s the thing this IS NOT Walgreen or McDonalds or any other for profit greedy corporation (or at least thats the image they try to convey) this is a religion who preaches ultimate love and selflessness.
Don’t you find it repulsive that this self proclaimed “last fortress of true christianity on earth” balantly and literaly violates THE MOS BASIC TEACHING OF THEIR OWN FAITH ” love thy neighbor…..i for one do.
Not to mention that when confronted with the issue they promised to workout a solution, but then…..because of three parking spots….really?
I wonder who gave that verbal assurance? Was it the Coordinator of Eldership of the local congregation? Was it really a promise, or was it just something taken into consideration? If it was a binding promise, then the Witnesses should ask themselves if they are “false to agreements” (Romans 1:31). It’s a serious matter towards God. But as regards the law, it is clearly on their side.
When I think of my home, many neighbours move here and minimize my life quality a lot, and I am also anything but healthy, still I wouldn’t even think of discussing with anyone of them.
But of course, I very much hope that the Mura’s will still be able to enjoy the beautiful sight, and that everything will be solved in peace.
I think imacountrygirl has great points, and I agree mostly with her. Yes, this is a property ownership issue, and the local JWs are completely within their right to build on their property however they wish. Yes, this article wouldn’t be here if it was a Walmart blocking the view for this man.
However, in defense of the article I will pipe in with this: The JWs claim to be the most loving group ON EARTH. They claim to love their neighbor as themselves. In fact, they use it as their #1 “proof” that they have the only true religion in the world.
The point here is that the JWs are like anyone else, in fact, they may as well be Walmart. The great, exaggerated love they claim to have for people is as empty as the parking lot they’re building in New Mexico. At the end of the day, they are looking out for themselves, like anybody else.
Cedars isn’t vilifying them for innocent actions that would otherwise be ignored, he’s showing how hollow their claims of love are, and I think that’s worth pointing out.
The article says “But do Witnesses really care about people outside of their bubble? A recent troubling development in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, brings that question into sharp focus.”
If we’re talking about the nearly 8 million worldwide, an article giving the example of an incident where probably one or two unconscious and ruthless people are involved, would be unfair. If the article had been bringing out a pattern with a series of similar incidents, would be more informative.
I’m not in disagreement with the main idea behind, I see what you mean, but it’s just a comment about the contents of the article as a way to bring the message out.
If I do the analogy with Child Abuse cases, if we said “there was a child abuse case in New Mexico” that would not be fair to charge to a community, if the article talked about an isolated case. It really becomes an organizational flaw when we hear about a series of issues here and there and links to the Shepherd’s Book etc, meaning a flawed approach handling these … Then we can say JW’s have a problem.
Thank you for your article and I hope you don’t mind my bringing up this aspect.
Nody, you brought up an interesting point. In fact it has bothered me since I first read this post.
“Not to mention that when confronted with the issue they promised to workout a solution”
If I were going to ask someone for a huge favor, I don’t know that I would go over and “confront” someone about it. The article said that twice they “confronted” the Witnesses.
If he really wanted to keep his nice view, why would you go in confrontation to ask for it? Confront sounds to me like the Mura’s were on the war-path from the start…to keep what they thought they were entitled to…a nice view.
I know this is a serious topic and it does touch my heart.
I am also the first one who will say that I never found that Christian love the JWs talk about. Nor does the GB have the truth. I know every rotten thing about them that I have found on the internet as well as in Raymond Franz books.
I certainly don’t think they show love by teaching that every person on the earth except Jehovah’s Witnesses will be killed, mass-murder sounds more like it, by a loving God at Armageddon.
But WE all know that already, don’t we? Why would we expect anything else from them?
I am not speaking up for them nor apologizing for them. In fact I speak out against them at every opportunity. But I won’t engage in a “hate” campaign against them over this petty issue, as IMHO I don’t think it is reasonable or necessary for ME to do so.
I am not stopping anyone from doing as their hearts move them to do.
I wish we could get this emotionally worked up over their cover-up of pedophiles!!! Or their shunning, which causes loss of your family.
Luke 10:27 …..”you must love your neighbour as yourself” verse 29 …….”who really is my neighbour?” Then the account about the good Samaritan. Verse 36,37 “Who of these three seems to you to have made himself neighbour to the man who fell victim to the robbers? His reply “The one who acted mercifully to him” Jesus then said to him “Go and do the same yourself.” We know the Society are very fond of Bible principles so perhaps doing the loving thing towards our neighbour should be done here. Kindness triumphs!
I must admit to have been a little sceptical about an anecdote, but there is much evidence to show that an actual agreement was broken. As an agnostic, I am also sceptical whether organised religion changes anyone. This is just one of a plethora of evidence I present.
Perhaps there is a regulatory issue here. Perhaps there was a plan that was submitted to the local zoning agency that specified the placement of the building and the number of parking spaces required for the building of the size being constructed. For commercial buildings there are many kinds of restrictions and the three parking spaces may be necessary for the structure to conform to building and zoning regulations. I believe there is more to the story than has been presented.
But whatever the case, this is a property rights issue and the fact that the JW’s own the property and wish to be build on it is of importance only if one wishes to take issue with the JW’s. There really is no place to get any one’s dog into this fight although we all can feel for the man who is going to lose his view through the circumstances of community development.
I am a reader of http://www.jwsurvey.org for a long time, but have never responded. I didn’t respond because most of the postings are good points. But, this is my first comment because of the factuality and relevance of the posting on the disabled man.
What if he was a JW? Would they grant him that generosity because he is a JW? or would he move away or would he sacrifice his need for his religion? Remember that this is a legal property issue and think if the building was for other religious roup.
Lets not forget or deny that JWs have so many good things, and lets not hesitate from exposing where they willingly o wrong. I am afraid that postings like this will keep JWsurvey.org readers away and it might give a bad and shallow image of the whole websites’ expounded credible reasonongs by some intelligent individuals.
Take it easy though, you can do better some other time.
James Strait asked: “Do Jehovah’s Witnesses genuinely care about the general well-being of ordinary people beyond the confines of their religion?”
Come on, James! They don’t even care about “the general well-being of ordinary people” WITHIN “the confines of their religion?”
I feel bad for Jim and his wife. but if this was a church or other religious group that put up a building in Jim view. Would JWsurvey be covering and posting it. on there site
Thank you all for your well thought out comments. It’s true that if this story didn’t involve Jehovah’s Witnesses I would’ve probably never written about it, but others who write about other corporations would have. If this happened in my community involving a corporation like Walgreen’s or McDonald’s I would be outraged. The least I could do would be to support their Facebook page to raise awareness of the issue. People with disabilities are often tragically considered second class by corporations inside and out of religion.
This is a real problem in our world and when the Watchtower corporation does something like this they need to be held accountable. There are sites out there that target specific corporations. This site covers the niche topic of the Watchtower and that’s why this story is here. If Jehovah’s Witnesses want to be considered a charity organization they should act like it and the example with the Mura’s was a perfect opportunity to show the world their intentions within their community.
A lazy article. I’ve called the news station and they don’t want to talk about it either. Whatever. By the way, JWs don’t do “handshake” agreements when it comes to projects that involve legal entities. Nobody does, or should. You’re grasping at straws. As usual.
James, I want to thank you for all the time and effort you put into this post. It is obviously a labor of love for you.
You say you would be “outraged” and that you want to “raise awareness of the issue.”
Why would you be so outraged if a disabled person’s view is blocked? What issue are we talking about? What is all this outrage going to accomplish? What is your end-game? What is it you hope to accomplish? What damage can we possibly do the Watchtower….over cutting off a disabled man’s beautiful view of the mountains?
I still think we need to keep things balanced and in perspective here. I live in a real world where grown men with families to feed have been out of work for a year or more. I know people who have lost their home because they could no longer afford to pay for them. Adults close to 30 still living at home with Mom and Dad because they cannot earn enough to support themselves
I live in an apartment building with mostly low-income residents. A lot are elderly and most of them have a disability of some kind. I have been disabled myself since 1992. I don’t need an education on second-class treatment of disabled people.
I have seen first hand how second-class disabled people are treated. Trust me when I say that having their beautiful view of a mountain blocked by a JW KH is like comparing an ant hill to Mount Everest. Just a little dose of reality.
People around me think about having enough food to last the month. Or if they will be able to cook the food when they get it. Some can’t even make it to the grocery store and have to depend on someone helping them. Some have no family around to help them out. Some have had to give up driving because of physical disabilities. In my case, I can drive, but cannot afford a car since mine tore up a year and a half ago.
A couple are completely confined to wheelchairs. One of them had polio as a child and worries that one day her arms will give out and she will no longer be able to pull herself from her chair to her bed. Or pull herself off her chair to get on the commode. She prays every night that the Lord takes her before she becomes unable to take care of herself.
Since I moved in almost three years ago, there have been 5 or 6 who had to go to a nursing home because they could no longer take care of themselves. More than two dozen people have died because of illness. And we only have 54 apartments here.
For a family that has money and can afford a nice house with a nice view of the mountains, I am very happy for them!!! I truly am.
I feel very deeply for Mr. Mura. If I could wave a magic wand, I would let him keep his beautiful view. Better still, I would cure him if I could. The reality for me is that there is nothing I can do to keep his beautiful view of the mountains.
You are right James, the Watchtower must be held accountable. But for blocking a view? Frankly, knowing what I do of all the pain and suffering they have caused unknown numbers of people, they should be held accountable.
Let’s hold them accountable for all the suicides they have caused. Let’s hold them accountable for all the broken hearts and broken families they have caused by their shunning. Let’s hold them accountable for all the blood on their hands with their flip-flopping views about transfusions and organ transplants. Let’s hold them accountable for all the children who have been sexually abused and nothing was done to the perpetrator because of their two-witness rule. Let’s hold them accountable for all the pedophiles hiding in plain sight in the congregation.
The sad thing is I could keep going, but I think you get my point.
When we hold them accountable for what we know they have done, THEN let’s hold them accountable for blocking a disabled man’s view of the mountains.
I personally think the only thing the Watchtower is interested in is MONEY. We already know they aren’t even charitable to their own members, let alone anyone else.
I really don’t think the world cares whether they show love or not, no matter what they claim.
I know you cover the “niche topic of the Watchtower “, and I read every post. Call me heartless, cold hearted, cruel, uncaring, selfish, unloving. Call me any name you want to.
When we attack the Watchtower because of blocking a disabled man’s view of a beautiful mountain, I think we weaken our credibility and belittle ourselves.
These are only my own views. I’ve said more than enough already. Please feel free to go and support their Facebook page to raise awareness of the issue.
James, I want to thank you for all the time and effort you put into this post. It is obviously a labor of love for you.
You say you would be “outraged” and that you want to “raise awareness of the issue.”
Why would you be so outraged if a disabled person’s view is blocked? What issue are we talking about? What is all this outrage going to accomplish? What is your end-game? What is it you hope to accomplish? What damage can we possibly do the Watchtower….over cutting off a disabled man’s beautiful view of the mountains?
I still think we need to keep things balanced and in perspective here. I live in a real world where grown men with families to feed have been out of work for a year or more. I know people who have lost their home because they could no longer afford to pay for them. Adults close to 30 still living at home with Mom and Dad because they cannot earn enough to support themselves
I live in an apartment building with mostly low-income residents. A lot are elderly and most of them have a disability of some kind. I have been disabled myself since 1992. I don’t need an education on second-class treatment of disabled people.
I have seen first hand how second-class disabled people are treated. Trust me when I say that having their beautiful view of a mountain blocked by a JW KH is like comparing an ant hill to Mount Everest. Just a little dose of reality.
People around me think about having enough food to last the month. Or if they will be able to cook the food when they get it. Some can’t even make it to the grocery store and have to depend on someone helping them. Some have no family around to help them out. Some have had to give up driving because of physical disabilities. In my case, I can drive, but cannot afford a car since mine tore up a year and a half ago.
A couple are completely confined to wheelchairs. One of them had polio as a child and worries that one day her arms will give out and she will no longer be able to pull herself from her chair to her bed. Or pull herself off her chair to get on the commode. She prays every night that the Lord takes her before she becomes unable to take care of herself.
Since I moved in almost three years ago, there have been 5 or 6 who had to go to a nursing home because they could no longer take care of themselves. More than two dozen people have died because of illness. And we only have 54 apartments here.
For a family that has money and can afford a nice house with a nice view of the mountains, I am very happy for them!!! I truly am.
I feel very deeply for Mr. Mura. If I could wave a magic wand, I would let him keep his beautiful view. Better still, I would cure him if I could. The reality for me is that there is nothing I can do to keep his beautiful view of the mountains.
You are right James, the Watchtower must be held accountable. But for blocking a view? Frankly, knowing what I do of all the pain and suffering they have caused unknown numbers of people, they should be held accountable.
Let’s hold them accountable for all the suicides they have caused. Let’s hold them accountable for all the broken hearts and broken families they have caused by their shunning. Let’s hold them accountable for all the blood on their hands with their flip-flopping views about transfusions and organ transplants. Let’s hold them accountable for all the children who have been sexually abused and nothing was done to the perpetrator because of their two-witness rule. Let’s hold them accountable for all the pedophiles hiding in plain sight in the congregation.
The sad thing is I could keep going, but I think you get my point.
When we hold them accountable for what we know they have done, THEN let’s hold them accountable for blocking a disabled man’s view of the mountains.
I personally think the only thing the Watchtower is interested in is MONEY. We already know they aren’t even charitable to their own members, let alone anyone else.
I really don’t think the world cares whether they show love or not, no matter what they claim.
I know you cover the “niche topic of the Watchtower “, and I read every post. Call me heartless, cold hearted, cruel, uncaring, selfish, unloving. Call me any name you want to.
When we attack the Watchtower because of blocking a disabled man’s view of a beautiful mountain, I think we weaken our credibility and belittle ourselves and disrespect the real damage the Watchtower organization has done to our own brothers and sisters.
I’m sorry James. These are only my own views. I’ve said more than enough already. Everyone should feel free to go and support the Mora’s Facebook page to raise awareness of the issue.
Imacountry girl, I totally understand and respect your opinion on this matter and I don’t wish to call you any names. This website is part of a larger community of ex Jehovah’s Witnesses. This story fits in with the puzzle we are trying to put together for the world. I admit that it may be a small piece, but I disagree that’s it’s not worth reporting on or makes us look bad. The Watchtower has misled the public for so many years that they actually provide charitable benefit to the communities they exist within. This story vividly shows that not to be the case. The Watchtower is just another corporation in a sea of corporations. That much is evident simply by hearing about the Mura’s story. Thank you for your thoughts and comments, they are much appreciated.
James, you are very kind and loving. I’m just glad I stopped myself before I told you how I really feel!!
I do encourage you to keep up the good work!
As I read the usual sophistry and emotional manipulation in this article I expected the comments to be filled with the standard roster of anti-organization conspiracy theorists and kooks. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that several commentators provided objective and reasoned views on the matter. So kudos to those who decided not to be virulently critical on every issue just by reflex. Consider adopting this measured tone on more issues, and you might find that God’s organization is less malicious than you once imagined. Indeed, you may find it within your hearts to practice Godly repentance and return to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
Also, this “James Strait” character is a confessed wrongdoer whose credibility is very questionable.
@imacountrygirl
First and foremost I am truly sorry about your situation. My father in law had lewy body disease which eventually took his ability to walk, talk or care for himself and rendered him bedridden for over 2 years. My wife and I chose to care for him for 7 years in our home until he died. Although her brother and sister are Witnesses, we received no financial nor physical help. I wish I could help all who suffer, that is what trapped me in the JW faith for so long, believing the only true way to end mankind’s suffering was God’s Kingdom. My wife and I are busy rasing our 2 children, but we are now active in the community spending a lot of our time helping with local causes, because we are limited in our reach and ability to help others. Hopefully one day we will get to meet you as I enjoy your contributions to topics being discussed.
@ James
I had mixed emotions reading this, as there is so much unsubstantiated here. We do not have anything in writing, was it a publisher that talked with them or did anyone speak to them as they claim? Is this the first time that the Watchtower has heard of this and are they taking a moment to decide what to do? We can guess based upon our bias what is true, however it only creates a worthless debate. Doesn’t it seem reasonable if the reporter had any of those answers they would have reported them, since they were representing the side of the man who was disabled?
I get the law of neighborly love that could be potentially violated, as I am certain that if the man residing next door were a GB member with the same condition the plans would be changed and the congregation would be determined to accommodate Christ’s so called Brothers. However we cannot be certain that the WT knew before the story broke of this mans needs, nor how they will respond given a chance to consider the matter. Even if they falsely claim that they did not hear of this until the foundation was laid and at a time in the future make a concession to this man, you have no proof that they are lying other than a predisposition to believe they are. Therefore undermining the position of this website to present facts.
I am all for exposing their contradictory beliefs that undermine their claims of love, prophesy or whatever that can be brought to light to save a family, or anyone from joining this terrible religion. However it is best to be sure of the facts before reporting, as once things are brought to light a poorly verified article can do more harm than good to the solid body of evidence that has already been presented.
Unfortunately as an article writer you will be held to a much higher standard than one commenting in the threads. Your ability to present verifiable facts in a logical way will increase the wealth of information that is presented here. That being said, many use this website to air their thoughts and ideas, myself included, looking for feedback from others and to find people with common experience and to feel normal again. From that perspective the article would have made a good sub comment to another well thought out article, as those who wish to, could support this man’s cause of not having his view blocked whether the WT is guilty or not.
I do not wish to be critical of your article, rather I hope you will view what I said constructively and use it to challenge future endeavors, as I will keep an open mind and look forward to your future contributions.
Tiger
James, I would not be happy attending this Kingdom Hall knowing that the building of it had caused unhappiness to a handicapped man. What matters it love of neighbour.
@imacountrygirl
First and foremost I am truly sorry about your situation. My father in law had lewy body disease which eventually took his ability to walk, talk or care for himself and rendered him bedridden for over 2 years. My wife and I chose to care for him for 7 years in our home until he died. Although her brother and sister are Witnesses, we received no financial nor physical help. I wish I could help all who suffer, that is what trapped me in the JW faith for so long, believing the only true way to end mankind’s suffering was God’s Kingdom. My wife and I are busy rasing our 2 children, but we are now active in the community spending a lot of our time helping with local causes, because we are limited in our reach and ability to help others. Hopefully one day we will get to meet you as I enjoy your contributions to topics being discussed.
@ James
I had mixed emotions reading this, as I am sad for Mr Mura, however there is so much unsubstantiated here. We do not have anything in writing, was it a publisher that talked with them or did anyone speak to them as they claim? Is this the first time that the Watchtower has heard of this and are they taking a moment to decide what to do? We can guess based upon our bias what is true, however it only creates a worthless debate. Doesn’t it seem reasonable if the reporter had any of those answers they would have reported them, since they were representing the side of the man who was disabled?
I get the law of neighborly love that could be potentially violated, as I am certain that if the man residing next door were a GB member with the same condition the plans would be changed and the congregation would be determined to accommodate Christ’s so called Brothers. However we cannot be certain that the WT knew before the story broke of this mans needs, nor how they will respond given a chance to consider the matter. Even if they falsely claim that they did not hear of this until the foundation was laid and at a time in the future make a concession to this man, you have no proof that they are lying other than a predisposition to believe they are. Therefore undermining the position of this website to present facts.
I am all for exposing their contradictory beliefs that undermine their claims of love, prophesy or whatever that can be brought to light to save a family, or anyone from joining this terrible religion. However it is best to be sure of the facts before reporting, as once things are brought to light a poorly verified article can do more harm than good to the solid body of evidence that has already been presented.
Unfortunately as an article writer you will be held to a much higher standard than one commenting in the threads. Your ability to present verifiable facts in a logical way will increase the wealth of information that is presented here. That being said, many use this website to air their thoughts and ideas, myself included, looking for feedback from others and to find people with common experience and to feel normal again. From that perspective the article would have made a good sub comment to another well thought out article, as those who wish to, could support this man’s cause of not having his view blocked whether the WT is guilty or not.
I do not wish to be critical of your article, rather I hope you will view what I said constructively and use it to challenge future endeavors, as I will keep an open mind and look forward to your future contributions.
@Who Will Go When God’s Kingdom Comes?
Lol, you are hilarious and you know why. You are on an apostate website disobeying direct orders from the Grand Poobah/GB and spewing your rhetoric like it issues from God, through you, to us. Disobedience to Moses my friend makes you Korah a son of disobedience. Whose the apostate now? Before you question James credibility, (LMAO) hypocrite don’t you think you should remove the rafter from your own eye. I love irony! Thanks, you are hilarious!
Still laughing……..
It was bad enough to say this incident showed the JWs to be “unloving.” But to now frame this as a disability rights matter? As both a disabled person and someone active in our fight for justice, that’s honestly just offensive. I understand and am sympathetic that you probably weren’t expecting the thrashing this article is getting on our apostate websites and groups, but don’t add to the pile-on yourself.
It’s a lousy situation. The elders said they’d try, the family confirms initial efforts were indeed clearly made, and the end product is unfortunately not what had been hoped for. I feel bad for the family. But to buy into the family’s media fracas and then have the gall to say this is oppression of the disabled…come on. You’re a smart guy. You’re better than that.
Please know that I’m not trying to beat you up here. I understand and appreciate your intentions. I just think this is one of those cases where you accept the criticism, really learn from it, and quit digging the hole.
The WT are such slippery b*stards that I would not be surprised if they simply took a photo of the view, put it in a cheap frame, and then presented it to him to hang on is wall with all the pomp and ceremony they usually act. Then lots of “Oh were the most loving people” That frame was 1 Pound from poundland! And they say we are not a charaty hahahahha”
Hi all
I think a step back is required here. There are far more important issues in the world at the moment.
I enjoy reading the items and comments, but this is becoming JW bashing just for the sake of JW bashing, not good
Eric
Probably not. But they are. Why are we so concerned? Imacountrygirl
Because they continuously pound the brothers at the meetings about showing love, sacrificing oneself for others(i.e.doing more hours), etc.etc. then in service they fill their mouths with how different they are, how loving and giving and how they are in line for salvation – only-
So I find pathetic their Me First attitude, which is what they constantly condemn in their magazines.
Just one more example of how hypocritical they are as a group and in this case individually.
Mr and mrs Mura I hope that the solidarity we show for you in this blog lets you see that we care for you.
I’m writing from Europe.
I have to agree with the vast majority of comments regarding this post. While I do feel bad for the Mura’s losing their view the WT has every right to build on land they own as they see fit. Imagine bought a piece of property to build a home on and followed all zoning a building bylaws the town has yet your neighbors called you unloving and unkind because you didn’t knock on every door asking for their approval for your plans? Sounds ridiculous because it is. What’s worse is that it does take away from the far larger issues at hand regarding this organization. Lets not forget to always keep an objective view on issues and not run to the gallows just because it happens to involve the WT.
Who Will Go…,
I, along with others, have expressed a reticence to get involved in this particular issue. As you have read, we have had a civil and polite debate about it and James has respected our views, as we respect his.
I applaud James for the hard, honest work he has done and will continue to do. Thanks, James!
Now we move on to your other comments.
Please provide proof that the WTBTS is God’s Organisation.
Please provide your view on the WTBTS’ child protection policy. What do you think is best about it? What part of it protects children from paedophiles most completely?
I have no need of repentance. I have done nothing wrong. There is no synonimosity between Christianity and the WTBTS.
Lastly, your personal attack on James is disgusting. Have you ever bothered to read the gospels? Since when do past sins get brought up again? Once someone is forgiven, it is forgotten.
What are you going to do to help remove the paedophile who abused James when he was five?
Do not be misled. The institutional cover up of child abuse and domestic abuse in the WTBTS is real and it is ongoing.
I urge you to read the articles on these topics, research the source material, and then tell us what your opinion is.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
James Strait,
Thank you for your article, and the YouTube videos that you have produced in the past. Thank you for being brave and telling us about the appalling treatment you received from the WTBTS.
Although I do not agree with you on this particular issue, I have deep respect for your moral stance and I await further articles from you that I will read with interest.
I wish you good fortune in your life as you are a good and decent man.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
We know how Jehovah’s Witnesses love to point out principles.
The principle at Luke 14: 8-11 comes to mind.
“8 “When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast, do not recline in the most prominent place. Perhaps someone more distinguished than you may also have been invited. 9 Then the one who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Let this man have your place.’ Then you will proceed with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the man who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, go on up higher.’ Then you will have honor in front of all your fellow guests. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
Don’t you think that showing “empathy” would be the Christian thing to do?
“All for the sake of the good news?”
“Another aid to modesty is empathy, which means being able to put oneself in the shoes of others, as it were. …. In fact, empathy will cause a person to be modest in all relationships, not just in the Christian congregation. Empathy caused the apostle Paul to become ‘as a Jew to the Jews, as though under law to those under law, as weak to the weak,’ and so forth—all for the sake of the good news.” – (w84 1/15, Pg. 23, Cultivating Christian Modesty)
@Who will go when God’s kingdom come?
what do you mean by “his credibility is very questionable because he is a confessed wrong doer?”
I read his story, all of it. So, what is the wrong thing he did and he is happy bout it???
Actually, he is a brilliant man who reasons with a deep insight, except in this particular post of the JW vs The brain injured man.
I think and believe your comment is kind of offensive
“Also, this “James Strait” character is a confessed wrongdoer whose credibility is very questionable.”
Who Will Go, How dare you presume to judge our dear brother, James Strait!!
So, you are willing to cast the first stone? Does that mean you have never done anything wrong?….Or simply that you have never had the strength to “confess” that you have done wrong? Either way, only Jesus has the authority to judge us. You are very brave to take on Jesus Job….not very bright, but brave. I would hate to be in your shoes when Jesus comes to judge you.
Perhaps you should spend your time being more concerned about your own salvation. The Lord’s Prayer asks God to forgive us our trepasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
If we are unwilling to forgive others, how can we possibly hope to be forgiven of our own sins?
It’s not hopeless though, you still have time to stop judging others and prayerfully ask for forgiveness.
“you might find that God’s organization is less malicious than you once imagined.” If you truly believe that the Governing Body is not malicious, you are suffering from a delusion. Are you not capable of doing you own independent investigation of their documented history of deceit and lies to it’s members? You don’t have to believe anything on this site, go to your own site and do some research on your own history. They have much blood on their hands. I would like to suggest that you take yourself in for a mental evaluation by a professional who might be able to help you with your cognitive and reasoning abilities.
What makes you believe that everyone on here should “return to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls”? Some of us have never left our Savior Jesus and Our Heavenly Father. We have, however, left a man-make organization that was manipulating and controlling our minds, much to our own harm.
I sincerely hope that one day you will know the joy of doing your own thinking and become a free moral agent capable of making your own decisions, just as we were designed to be.
“Also, this “James Strait” character is a confessed wrongdoer whose credibility is very questionable.”
Who Will Go, How dare you presume to judge our dear brother, James Strait!!
So, you are willing to cast the first stone? Does that mean you have never done anything wrong?….Or simply that you have never had the strength to “confess” that you have done wrong? Either way, only Jesus has the authority to judge us. You are very brave to take on Jesus Job….not very bright, but brave. I would hate to be in your shoes when Jesus comes to judge all of us.
Perhaps you should spend your time being more concerned about your own salvation. The Lord’s Prayer asks God to forgive us our trepasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
If we are unwilling to forgive others, how can we possibly hope to be forgiven of our own sins?
It’s not hopeless though, you still have time to stop judging others and prayerfully ask for forgiveness.
“you might find that God’s organization is less malicious than you once imagined.” If you truly believe that the Governing Body is not malicious, you are suffering from a delusion. Are you not capable of doing you own independent investigation of their documented history of deceit and lies to it’s members? You don’t have to believe anything on this site, go to your own site and do some research on your own history. They have much blood on their hands. I would like to suggest that you take yourself in for a mental evaluation by a professional who might be able to help you with your cognitive and reasoning abilities.
What makes you believe that everyone on here should “return to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls”? Some of us have never left our Savior Jesus and Our Heavenly Father. We have, however, left a man-make organization that was manipulating and controlling our minds, much to our own harm.
I sincerely hope that one day you will know the joy of doing your own thinking and become a free moral agent capable of making your own decisions, just as we were designed to be.
This is the way I see it: if I was buying a property and I had the opportunity to help out a neighbor such as Jim Mura I would jump at the chance. If all it took was a small change on my part to bring happiness to someone extremely disabled, why wouldn’t I go through with it? If I simply dug my heels in and leaned on my rights as a property owner at someone else’s expense, frankly I would have a hard time sleeping at night. If I was entering a community on a permanent basis, I would want to accommodate the neighbors as best I could to show what kind of neighbor I was going to be.
What really stands out for me is that the Watchtower claims to be the most ethical group of people on earth. They are constantly studying articles that glorify their actions. They practically say that their love is divinely inspired. If this were true, when they found themselves in situations such as discussed in this article, they would do the ethical thing, which is to value people over things.
That said, if there are zoning laws that come into play that require a certain amount parking spaces I would hope the Watchtower would communicate this to clear up the misunderstanding. However, they remain silent on the issue.
I think part of the problem is that they *did* try. The family has repeatedly said that they spoke with elders about specific accommodations the RBC would try, and that they even saw the contractors out there doing measurements specific to that plan.
In other words, the Witnesses did, in fact, go out of their way to try to make this happen. Obviously there was a reason it couldn’t. That is unfortunate; I am sure that the congregation feels the same way. I vaguely remember me having a heart when I was a member.
Instead of us continually coming up with reasons why “no, really, this is serious business,” let’s get back to issues where we actually have ground to stand on. Sorry he can’t see his balloons and all, but one of my best friends shot himself for being gay and another was disfellowshipped after reporting her stepfather to the police for raping her. Forgive me for not really caring about this guy’s view. Way, way better examples of heartlessness from Brooklyn that I can point to.