To all those that are seriously thinking about going back to JWism... (page 2)

MOG

they almost got me to go back with the LOVE BOMBING....until I walked out the assembly when it was done and ran for my dear life..and acted like LOT, scared if Iturned back I will be a pillar of salt..

journey-on

I think some people should go back. Some never learn how to be happy outside the confines of religion. So, if

religion is what they need and they are unable to find one that makes them feel happy and fulfilled and constantly

pine for the camaraderie of their JW congregation, I say, "Go back". Keep quiet about the stuff you don't agree with,

do the work regularly without any extras, and embrace what you choose and discard the rest. I have a feeling lots

and lots of witnesses are doing this.....going through the motions without the emotions and just keeping their mouths

shut and using it like a social club.

nvrgnbk

I have a feeling lots
and lots of witnesses are doing this.....going through the motions without the emotions and just keeping their mouths
shut and using it like a social club.

Exactly.

thecarpenter

Interesting you mentioned this. I was looking at article regarding personality traits of certain groups of individuals and I came across a study done in a Slovak Republic. Interestingly, many cult members are quite happy in their groups (Hare Krishnas, Jehovah Witnesses) as well as sectarian religious groups (Devout Catholics) compared to those without any religious affiliations.

Here is the abstract...

Abstract: Compared the personality traits of male and female members of sects and cults vs nonmembers aged 17-58 yrs in the Slovak Republic over an 8-mo period. 20 Jehovah's Witnesses (Experimental Subgroup 1), 20 Hare Krishnas (Experimental Subgroup 2), 40 devout Catholics (Control Group 1), and 40 nonreligious Ss (Control Group 2) were administered the Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF). The results indicate that, compared with nonreligious Ss, sect and cult members generally were closer to other group members, more yielding, more trusting and relaxed, more thoughtful, more self-disciplined and self-controlled, more insightful, more relentless, more conservative, and less prone to suffer from guilt, fear, and anxiety.

- Personality characteristics of members of sects and cults. Kintlerová, Tatiana; Ceskoslovenská Psychologie, Vol 44(2), 2000. pp. 180-189. [Journal Article]

Religion, even if it is totally bogus (I know some of you thing all religion is bogus), does provide a emotional shield to the weak. If you look at Applegate's group, they were quite happy before they all committed suicide (they happily spoke about what they were about to do). The same can be said of Jim Jones' group.

You are right nvrgbk, some people really need the high control, high structure the Watchtower society provides even if much of their doctrine is bogus and even unethical. These are minor issues compared to the internal turmoil they would experience in trying to control their own lives. Thinking for yourself requires taking responsibility for yourself and not everyone is willing to do that. But I think that if someone wanted help in controlling their life, it would be better to look at a religion that is less dominating, and more holistic that the Jehovah's witnesses.

lfcviking

Interesting post.

Apparently the reasons some had for leaving had nothing to do with truth or reality or what's factual.

Well that must be me! I left because i was getting depressed and disillusioned with it all. Nothing to do with a technical analysis of teaching and doctrine and a realisation of false teachings.

For me, being on the recieving end of burdensome duties, guilt trips, family seperations, social isolation, and a supression of freedom, all of this was enough 'evidence' that it wasn't the truth.

Some left because they got discouraged or were offended or felt slighted

I find it amazing that some people would actually leave the organisation of which they've been a member of for a long time just because somebody upset them in some way.

The JW religion, like most any other religion, is full of people that want to be told what to do and what to think

I'm not sure this is completely true, there are plenty of individuals in the org who like to do the telling what to do and what to think.

I think your analysis has a certain amount of plausability, but for some individuals the reasons for leaving are more complicated than simply realising the errors in the organisation's teachings & practices.

Respectfully

LFCv

nvrgnbk

I think we're essentially saying the same thing, lfcviking.

I'm not referring to a point-by-point or "technical" analysis of 607 or the finer points of Koine Greek when I say the religion is not founded in truth.

The feelings you experienced, that eventually pushed you to a point of having to leave, are all associated with your subconscious mind trying to tell you that something was wrong with it. It wasn't real. It wasn't true. It wasn't logical. It was all a waste of time.

there are plenty of individuals in the org who like to do the telling what to do and what to think.

True enough.

But independent thinking of any kind is quickly crushed.

They may like the artificial authority they've been given, but they must toe the party line to keep it.

but for some individuals the reasons for leaving are more complicated than simply realising the errors in the organisation's teachings & practices.

The reasons for leaving are as unique as the individuals that left.

There is no "right" or "wrong" reason for leaving.

LongHairGal

As far as people who want to go back to the religion: I wish these people well.

I guess I am so burned out that I don't care. It in no way changes my feelings about the religion and I am certainly not running back. I guess because I am fed up with religion in general and feel they all have to go.

LHG

Sirona

If someone is fully aware of the fact that JWs are a cult, and if they are aware of the damage that cult does to people, I think it is morally wrong of that person to continue preaching and recruiting for that cult.

Those of us they indoctrinate have our lives / freewill ruined just because they are selfishly pretending. People need to make a stand.

Sirona

ninja

to all those who are seriously thinking of going back to the JW's.....can you sneak me out a couple of old books?...........ninja

Homerovah the Almighty

I'm with Sirona, with the information readily available now about this stupid cult , people who venture back into it have absolutely no respect coming from me

and I particularly find these people quite disgusting in character.

To all those that are seriously thinking about going back to JWism...

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