Does it really matter? (page 2)

Xena

I completly understand where you are coming from ItsJustMe. I felt the same way...it was a comfortable existance...until my daughter was born. I just couldn't bring her up a JW...they miss out on to much! I wanted more for her and so I left and now I am glad I did not just for her but for myself. Freedom may have a price but I do believe it is worth it!

ItsJustMe

It's interesting to me that you said that Xena, since right now I putting off having a baby until I make this decision.

joelbear

I am with larc.

I find the same group dynamics with every group I have ever been involved with including the witnesses, the bears, volunteer groups, gay social groups, business groups, etc.

There is always posturing, politics, committee mentality, and at some point almost always the need to compromise one's personal ethics and/or belief structure in order to continue to be an accepted member of the group.

Seems I am meant to be a loner, a rebel.

take care

Joel

Xena

If you have any questions or just want to talk about it ItsJustMe feel free to email me. My dauther is 6 now. Didn't really hit me how her life would be effected by being a JW until she went to school. You see all the things they miss out on and how difficult it is being different from everyone else. And trying to explain to them why when you really don't believe it yourself. May have effected me more since I wasn't raised a JW...

siegswife

According to the WTS it matters. In the August 1, 2001 Watchtower the magazine is entitled "Is There a Sound Basis For Your Beliefs?" On the very first page under the subheading 'Belief versus Truth' is says: "Of course, it does not take deliberate lies to develop mistaken beliefs. How many people have met untimely deaths doing something they believed was right?" (Like refusing blood or transplanted organs?-me) Then again, often we believe something simply because we want to believe it."

Under the subheading 'Brought Up to Believe It?', the last two sentences say: "But did your Creator mean for you to believe things simply because your parents believe them? Unthinking adherence to what previous generations believed and did can, in fact, be dangerous." (Unless your a JW, then if you DON'T adhere to what your parents tell you, you will be shunned by your parents.-me)

NameWithheld

I made this it's own topic a few days back, and Joel repeated the same idea. I don't think this can be over-stated ...

I find the same group dynamics with every group I have ever been involved with including the witnesses, the bears, volunteer groups, gay social groups, business groups, etc.

This is a fact that so few JWs can comprehend, mostly because they are restricted from becoming members of any outside group other than JWs. But once you see that the JW group control is just like any other man-made group, you can begin to see the cracks everywhere else too ...

ItsJustMe

Thanks Xena...

In an opposite circumstance, I have been raised a certain way and never felt left out at school. I actually enjoyed the attention being different brought me.

I think the biggest issue I have right now is that rather than encourage communication, a religion can stifle honest communication between people who love each other. I think that has to be wrong.

mommy

Personally, I don't so anything I am uncomfortable with. I have always been that way, perhaps I am a rebel too My mom is convinced I would make the best JW, because she says I am an all or nothing person. I kinda like that she see that part of me. I firmly believe in following your heart, and listening to your conscience. If you can't look in the mirror than you are fooling yourself, and not a very good situation to be in. But I admit everyone is not as gung-ho as I am, and are willing to let things slide, to keep the peace.

I was baptized as a JW under severe pressure, for 3 weeks I was miserable, because I did not want to be baptized. I was going against my own grain and couldn't stand myself. When I left, I have never been happier. Every decision I make is mine, and I don't need another's approval to do anything. And to top it off, I don't have anyone to blame but myself when I screw up

Good luck
wendy

Blind faith can justify anything.~Richard Dawkins

Does it really matter?

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