I know how you feel (I think). Even though I've been hurt by things that have happened to me in the "truth" I know that that is just part of life. My experience is that the imperfect people in the "truth" are for the most part more of the type people I trust and respect. Go for it!
Thinking of becoming a Witness again and my reasons for doing so :(
by reniaa 383 Replies latest jw experiences
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mouthy
My experience is that the imperfect people in the "truth" are for the most part more of the type people I trust and respect. Go for it
Did you ever visit them in their homes? Or only at the Kingdom Hall?I have since learned they have the same failings at home as the rest of us....( in the world) but they HAVE to behave in the Hall as
"Mother "? has brothers ?& sisters? to report you if you mess up at all spies/ -
Mary
avashai said: Sounds like "battered persons" syndrome to me. Just because you experienced abuse @ the hands of non-jw's does'nt mean that they are not abusive. As a matter of fact, they are. I'd HIGHLY suggest some counseling, and treatment for PTSD.
I agree. It can be very difficult to leave the Organization, especially if you were raised in it. When you discover it's not "the Truth", it feels as though the foundation of your life has been ripped away. I highly suspect that what you're missing is the 'familiarity' of the religion. Yes, there are many good people that are your friends. I know, because there are people I miss since I've stopped going. The bottom line is, they're not allowed to be your 'friend', unless you're a Witness, so you have to make a choice. The biggest problem I see, (from what you've described) is that you're having a hard time dealing with 'real life' outside the cloistered world of the WTS and that can be frightening. However, if you can speak to a counsellor who deals specifically with high control groups, they may be able to help you through this. I've been to other churches and the people there are just as nice as the ones at the KH. Good luck.
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mkr32208
Wow...
I'm going back cause real life is hard. Do I pretty much have that right?
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sspo
I heard comments from elders that 50% of the witnesses do not beleive the doctrines of the watchtower yet they stay in for family and social expect of it and it seems that's what you will be doing if you go back.
You will only be accepted by them as long as you show yourself to be very spiritual and do all the things required in order to prove your spirituality. If you go back with " many problems" they might assist you at first but they will not carry you after a while.
The witnesses have no time for the weak ones in the congregation, they are too busy themselves with their heavy schedule, family and so on.
If you go back and you do not fully beleive you will not last in it, eventually you feel feel like a hypocrite being at meetings and going from door to door.
I should say many of JW's are very, very happy in the " truth " and they would die for it.
Good luck in your decision
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SnakesInTheTower
Going back to Jehovah's Witnesses is like wrapping yourself in bubble wrap to protect yourself from all the hurt around you....
....except you forgot to remove the thousands of razor blades inside the bubble wrap that are cutting you bit by bit...... the resulting DF you will get if you confess to a bunch of elders, the resulting shunning for a year or more, as was mentioned earlier.... it will never be the same....
.....your so-called friends will never view you the same.... those friendships are conditional...but then again...all friendships are conditional...it is just that JW friendships are based on a cults rules and regulations....
The "world" is cruel..and Jehovah's Witnesses are part of this world, whether they like to admit it or not. Going back is not going to insulate you from hurt.
I understand your dilemna from many angles....I walked away 6 months ago, yet I am fighting the decision to go to the Memorial or not this year.... I want to keep a few of my JW friends around because I genuinely love them....but know that if I ever DF/DA..the friendships will be..."suspended" as one of those "friends" told me recently....
...I also understand it from the perspective of being a former elder... you will never have genuine peace if you go back......
Ultimately, you need to do what is best for you...though I agree with those who said you should get professional counseling if you can afford it/if it is available. Maybe I should heed my own advice.
Snakes ()
PS...WELCOME TO THE BOARD.
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daniel-p
Raniea (sp?), It sounds like maybe the "truth" would be good for you, then. Some people need religion in their lives: it helps to give them balance and a grounding. However, don't think the JWs are the only ones who could do that for you. In either case, I wish you the best of luck.
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queeniedog
im a witness and have been all my life. being a witness is not something you do to get friendships. its an acceptable way of serving Jehovah. If you get friends along the way, that is a tribute to your application of qualities that make you a good friend and also the good qualities of other witnesses. whats the real reason you are not already doing it??
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joanne_
Hi there, I dont know you, but I understand your lonliness. Here is my 2 cents. Go slow. Get to know yourself. Dont rush into any religion, just because people want you to, or not want you to. Weigh the pros and cons. Do not hurry. Pray and be still. You have been through alot by the sounds of it. Find a support group where you can talk things out. I recently joined a christian single group in town here. It has been great. That is what works for me. You have to find what is right for you. Be kind and gentle with yourself and you will find the answers to give you peace. If you go back to the organization, at least you know what you are getting into. I wish you luck and answers for all your questions.
Joanne
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The Oracle
I kind of feel like Junction guy.
It does make me sad to think of how many lives have been ruined and are in the process of being ruined by the WTS and the Jehovah's Witness religion.
It does not need to be that way though. Your life need not be ruined.
Surrending yourself to a mind control cult would probably not be a good idea, and certainly not advisable under just about any circumstances.
The real world may not be paradise, but it beats getting plugged back in to the matrix.
I wish you all the happiness in the world. Seeing a professional counselor as many have suggested here certainly could not hurt. There are also some great books that you take out from the library on taking charge of your life and on self improvement. I find them quite enlightening and useful. Certainly not all perfect advise, but valuable never the less.
The Oracle