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JamesThomas

It's not easy spiritually, though. What have you all done for spiritual fulfillment once you left? I still want to please God and live a good life. I still carry the guilt of not going to a meeting.

Welcome, otf.

If you continue to allow the belief in a ruthless tribal deity as "God" to go unquestioned, then you will likely carry and wear great greasy gobs of guilt as part of you daily wardrobe. To find lasting peace requires some radical scrutinizing into all our cherished beliefs and the workings of the mind.

Glad you decided to join us, and hope to hear more from you.

j

mouthy

(Listen to Mouthy...she's one smart cookie! If you want to continue a relationship with the giant bowl of spaghetti in the sky some call god, then ask her all about it. She'll give you some good pointers!) LOL!!!! Thanks But MY advice is listen to NO MAN/WOMAN.... If you still think you want a connection with God! Talk to him. He has broad shoulders. !!!! Well I dont actully KNOW that--- but I like to think so cos I cry on them alot .....And you know what???? I sometimes get answers to dry my tears ... Happy journey!!! This is the first day for the rest of your life (((HUG)))

Carmel

Welcome Onthefence! Interesting moniker. I presume it refers to your present uncertainty about all things "religious" and/or "spiritual"!

You asked what all of us did to fill that "void" for spirituality.. The answers are as numberous as the number of people here. Many have turned away from the concept of "god" and found fulfillment in humanist thought, others have left the frying pan and jumped into the fire of other "christian" organizations, while many like you are searching, not finding contentment in anything yet. The continuum is broad. For me, I spent several years "searching" within the Christian "camp" then pertty much gave up and became an agnostic for many years. I had no "need" for a religious experiance or life style. My wife and I both were content to can the material my mother sent us from the JW publishing company. After many years and various forays into other world religions, I was introduced to the Baha'i Faith which attracted both my wife and myself. For us it provided a world view that was inclusive rather than exclusive, gave reasonable answers to the apparent conundrums of scriptural conflict and provided an opportunity to give rather than take. We are more interested in find a way of helping the world become a better place for future generations rather than seeking a "personal salvation".

I hope you find a satisfying "spiritual home" in what ever form it takes.

carmel

TheListener

Welcome Onthefence.

When I began to fade I still wanted a relationship with God as well. I feel I have been able to maintain (actually begin) such a relationship. I love reading my bible and studying the history of the people and culture that the bible came from.

I am amazed at how much better I know the scriptures and how much closer I feel to God.

The guilt is part of what it called the FOG (fear, obligation and guilt). It will pass in time. I found a great way to move past the FOG was to study, study, study the religious doctrines that were drilled into your head. See why they do or don't make sense. Once you can look at both sides of an argument you can really make up your own mind as to what you accept and don't.

Good luck.

diamondblue1974

Welcome to the board...and I am glad you have acknowledged the fact that you were not truly happy and are taking some steps to adjust matters; keep posting keep learning and I look forward to hearing more from you.

DB74

by grace

As far as your spiritual path from here? The field's wide open. The churches aren't all wrong, controlled by Satan, etc, like the Watchtower fed us all that time. In truth, they contain normal people, living normal lives, and worshipping the god of the Bible. Allow yourself to experience them for yourself.

Almost Athiest,

I like your comment, it is so true. I just learned this one myself!!! I've been out for 7 months and was shocked to find out how GOOD people are!! I keep meeting person after person that is kind and good. What a shock!!

~by grace

Golf

Greetings on the fence. Let me say, you need to stop thinking that your 'guilty.'

Your doing the right thing by being here. You will get to read the experiences of those who have been acquainted with the org. for decades, and how they have survived their ordeals. They have a wealth of experience and knowledge to give you a positive outlook on life. Take advantage of it.

Golf

Jez

I have never felt more spiritual and more in tune to what I call 'real spirituality'. I don't attend church anymore, but I did go to a local easygoing church for a while after I was disfellowshipped. It was there that I learned what it felt like to attend without guilt, with no one counting how many were there, no one asking for your time, etc. I wanted to be there.

I learned what it felt like to be motivated by LOVE rather than guilt or fear. I was encouraged to find answers that lie within me, not TOLD constantly what is right or wrong or what I should or should not be doing. It was weird and difficult to learn to trust myself.

If a community of people is what you personally need, check out your local churches and find one that matches your needs. If I were you, I would use my family immensely. Lucky you to have them.

Welcome from Jez

diamondblue1974

I have never felt more spiritual and more in tune to what I call 'real spirituality'. I don't attend church anymore, but I did go to a local easygoing church for a while after I was disfellowshipped. It was there that I learned what it felt like to attend without guilt, with no one counting how many were there, no one asking for your time, etc. I wanted to be there.
I learned what it felt like to be motivated by LOVE rather than guilt or fear. I was encouraged to find answers that lie within me, not TOLD constantly what is right or wrong or what I should or should not be doing. It was weird and difficult to learn to trust myself.

Therein lies the difference between a mind controlling cult and a group of people who are keen to enable spirituality to grow personally and at a persons own pace.

Great post Jez

Finally-Free

Welcome On The Fence!

Your story sounds similar to mine. I converted to the JWs when I was in my mid twenties, had my share of health problems, and in the 20 years I was a JW I never had a friend. Unlike you, I had cut off all my "worldly" friends when I converted. When I was incapacitated for health reasons I was never visited either. But the pioneers™ were happy to visit my customers and undercut my prices while I was down and out. It wasn't until much later that I examined the JW teachings and decided to leave.

W

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