|
You are reading the VOT Archive Home Page · VOT Topics · Table of Contents |
The ones who have re-professed several times. Those in divided homes, the very poor, the widows, those with handicaps, disease, obesity, single mothers, the families with special problems. These are the forgotten ones, the ones no one invites to dinner, to sings, etc.
"It is clear to me now that I started out as a "Celebrity Saint" having professed as an adult "outsider." I gained notoriety in that first year and was paid lots of attention—it seemed like I gained instant friends! But as time went by I soon became a "Snubbed Saint." After all, I didn’t have an "in" with the big professing families and worst of all I was from a divided home! The fact that my kids went to meeting for years, yet never professed, was another reason for my low status! But there is still another reason, as I now so clearly see it, for my low standing in the "Way." I never did quite catch on to the deportment of the group—that necessary quiet demeanor, soft speaking voice, lack of "worldly" talk and use of slang, and seemingly gentle spirit which seemed to count for so much!"
These are just the run of the mill, ordinary ones. They aren't ostracized, but neither do they enjoy any privileges or attention. They notice they are left out but aren't sure just what the reason may be. They are the main body of neglected "friends." They often have problems with their families leaving the church. They try hard but fail often, having little comprehension of what they believe.
These are the ones who by virtue of professing in only three meetings gain reputation. Or, they may be some personable, wealthy or religious person. These usually have money or status which lend credibility to the church. They also include the older fourth or fifth generation members who have workers for relatives. Newly professing people are in this category for about one year. Then, they too, join the So-So Saints. A change in status often occurs when people move from one location to another.
These have meeting or convention on their property. Or, they have influence with the head workers. Some of these families even have more influence than some of the workers. Their homes are approved for all gatherings. They are aware of many of the situations in the church that the others never know about. They bear the brunt of most responsibility and privileges. These people are usually better able to verbalize the church beliefs than others.
"I have read with interest the discussion on the beliefs among 2x2's re: salvation. The understanding of what is taught hangs precariously on one's history in the group. Those of us who were raised in it, and had generations (in my case four) of hearty service, were 'privileged' to participate in discussions that 'babes' would NEVER experience.
I have heard workers and friends alike discussing in our home, and in my presence, issues regarding the 'understanding' of babes...what they were 'getting' and what they weren't, where they were 'growing' and where they weren't. These issues were never discussed in meetings.
Because I grew up in that 'confidential' atmosphere, I believe the things I understood were the intended meaning behind the 'double speak'. I would hear contrary things in the presence of the 'babes' in the guise of protecting them because they 'weren't ready for it.'
I think one's beliefs and understanding about the 2x2's depends a lot on how long a person (or their family) has been professing and how exposed they were to the 'inside scoop'."