I've been reading, "Awakening of JW", by Diane Wilson

by WingCommander 6 Replies latest jw friends

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  WingCommander

  Has anyone else on here read it? I'm half way through it, and can't seem to put it down. I will be finished by tomorrow night. Even though she is older than I, I can totally relate to this story as I have experienced or seen alot of the same situations she has seen. Of course I am not a woman, so she had it even harder, but this book is just such a good read so far. My mother (faded baptized Dub) actually gave it to me to read.

  I never knew the dubs fit almost almost all criteria of a cult mind control group. The manipulation techniques and constant belittling of everyone to do more, and even then they are not worthy enough, brought back searing images from my childhood and teenage years. It is just disgusting the lack of love, affection, and utter nonsense I (and all others) had to put up with for so long. Is there no wonder when I visit other churches I am just taken aback at the pleasant atmosphere and enjoyable services? Things like, REAL singing with nice music instead of funeral parlor music, windows, real friendly conversations without the "happy face" facade, and a general feeling of belonging? You never see or feel those things in a Kingdom Hall, at least I never really did since I was very little.

  The last time I was in a Kingdom Hall (nearly 2 years now), I felt like being stuffed in a nearly empty conference room with no windows, made to listen to dreadful songs while hearing low droning, and then watching people parrot back answers to questions they had already answered 100 times before. I couldn't wait to leave! But then again, I always remember the RELIEF of leaving the Kingdom Hall after any meeting. Just a feeling of, "Man, it's good to be outside away from that; lets get home and get something to eat and relax." I can't really ever remember saying, "Wow....I feel so spiritually upbuilt now," - never happened.

  Just my ramblings for today.........

  - Wing Commander
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  ex-nj-jw

  No I haven't read it but will look for it this weekend. Thanks for suggestion.

  I know how you feel, I was raised a JW and left at age 18, I never felt good about going to meeting, they were boring, usually involved a spanking of two, or at least a firm talking to and punishment. I hated it from a very early age, and did'nt miss it once I left.

  nj
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  Blueblades

  I read it 4 years ago and passed it on to another witness friend of mine. A very good book, Diane Wilson puts her experience with the Watchtower up close and in your face. One can't help but feel for all the sisters who have to go through with what she exposes about the way they are treated by this loving organization.

  Blueblades
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  juni

  Hi WingCommander!

  Yes. I read Ms. Wilson's book. It was very true to my experience as a woman in the JW religion.

  I know what you mean about coming away feeling refreshed. As a mind-numbed witness you believed it cause it was pounded in to your head that this was God's org. and one should feel refreshed.

  But if you actually were true to yourself and did a "mind" check you would really feel feel nothing. Just another boring, repetitious meeting. But you kept going through the motions cause that's what was expected of those who "truly loved Jehovah".

  Juni
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  Grammy

  Yes, I read Diane's book "Awakening of A Jehovah's Witness",and it is a very true depiction of what life in the cult is like for most female members...it's a very worthwhile read for all but especially women in my humble opinion. http://www.dianewilson.net/ Grammy
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  AK - Jeff

  I read it in my early exit days - I was reading everything by former Jw's in those days I guess.

  I recall thinking how good it was - and I sent an email to Diane to express that and she replied - but for the life of me I can't recall any of it as I sit here. Guess it's time to revisit that book.

  Jeff
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  anewme

  Wing Commander, what a good post you wrote! And the Book Awakening of a JW sounds like a book I would very much like to read!