I got off easy because my father is an Elder

Pwned

I was reading the story of James Caputo on his site disfellowshipped.org when I came to the realization that I received favorable treatment because of who my father is. I was 17 when I told my father that I didnt want to be a JW anymore because I just didnt really believe in it, I think I said something along the lines of I just don't "feel it" anyways he told me that since I was a minor I would have to keep going to the meetings and that I would have to tell the elders how I felt. So a few days later 2 elders who had known me since I was 6 years old came over and talked to me, although they made it clear from the outset that it wasn't a JC. I basically told them the same thing, they read a few scriptures and that was that. They didn't reproof me or anything. I didnt really think that was a big deal but now I see if I had just been Joe Shmo publisher I basically DA's myself without really even realizing it. By saying I didnt believe in it is a DF offense/sin. Am I wrong here? I got baptized when I was 13 by the way, you know everyone was doing it. I have since moved far away from the place I grew up so I don't know how the old "friends" would treat me now, its been over 10 years. My family is fine with me even though I have told them I don't even believe in the bible. Its kind of dont ask dont tell, they dont inquire about my beliefs and I dont volunteer them. They still insist on inviting me to meetings now and then and mocking me for celebrating holidays with my family but I tolerate it because I figure its better than the alternative.

Pwned

sorry for the lack of paragraphs I am using firefox

serendipity

If you got off easy because of your dad, count your blessings. I have to wonder if your dad has a lot of influence in that cong or if he is well-liked. If he was not well-liked, they could have deleted him as an elder.

luna2

Sounds like things worked out pretty well for you. Your JW family still speaks to you and yet you are out of the org...you only have to field a few invites to the boring meetings. Excellent!

95stormfront

You don't know how lucky you are.

Most every kid I know of who've told their parents that they really didn't care for or believe in the JW way were kicked to the curb in very short order. I know one asshole elder who got downright violent with his daughter, punched her out while his wife sat back, watched and did nothing, and sent her 1500 miles away to live with sympathetic JW relatives. Protecting his image and position in the congregation was of a more paramount importance.

Count your blessings........that is, if you still believe in that sort of thing.....

Pwned

yeah my dad is well liked, he didnt even lose his position

stillAwitness

Well lucky you. Funny, cause I remember not getting reproved/DF 2 years ago when I got a DUI (no biggie, just the fact that I was underage I was put in jail for the night) and the elders only read me a few scriptures and they were one their way.

My dad is neither and elder or MS. What gives?

XBEHERE

I think the main reason you got a "wrist slap" is that your dad was an elder. However I do think it also varies from congregation since I have sat on judicial committee where a fellow elder had turned in his daughter for doing the nasty with a married co-worker. It really does depend on the situation and those particular elders and how much they actually believe the b/s.

drew sagan

I like the whole "i don't feel it" anymore as opposed to "i don't believe it". If you say you don't feel it anymore, then you are basically saying you don't feel Gods presence in your life even though you are a JW. How can they prove you wrong on that? On the other hand if you say I don't believe it they are going to go straight into playing the apostate card.
Be grateful that you got out the way you did. The amount of hell that so many other have gone through is not fun, I'm glad your where able to spare yourself.

AuldSoul

I got the exact opposite experience for the same reason. But I am happy your exit was pleasant.

Respectfully,
AuldSoul

I got off easy because my father is an Elder

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