Some of you have previously posted your experiences of going to other religions' places of worship. I'd like to post mine, primarily because I think it would be helpful to any newcomers here who are still in the organization.
I no longer believe God to be an actual person or being. I am not looking to be taught or led or shepherded. I don't feel any void in my life. I just wanted to embark on a new path, some new philosophy. After all, most of my new "worldly" friends belong to churches and have been inviting me to attend on special occasions such as Easter. It serves a purpose for them, so I started researching religions to see if maybe there is something out there that suits me. I did find something that appealed to me. It does not require you to have any specific beliefs; it is more of a "program" for applying spiritual principles in your daily life. (I will not name this group because the purpose of this post is not to promote any particular religon.)
I was impressed that this - and most others - church has its own website. By viewing the Photo Gallery I could see how the people dress and the variety of age groups, and also their activities. Picnics, various ministries such as feeding the homeless in their own community, and all kinds of things that look like a lot of fun. I googled the minister and learned about her educational background and the many things she has done in the past in other churches. It was impressive!
So then I showed up at their Sunday service, and it was a wonderful experience! None of the men wore suits. Women wore pants or dresses, whatever they wanted. Everyone was "themselves". People came up to me and introduced themselves. People were referred to by their first names - Tom, Linda, Judy, Mike, etc - instead of Brother or Sister so-and-so. The "music group" had drums, a guitar, and a keyboard and performed lively, entertaining music. The children went off to their own Sunday school. When the pastor spoke I could tell she was educated and genuinely concerned about the audience, and that she herself believed in what she was preaching. She expressed herself clearly, coherently, and logically. Her message was so warm and bright and positive and loving. I felt nurtured. And she even used correct grammar! What a contrast to the Kingdom Hall where some good ol' boys who never went to high school get up there and flounder around. At one point during the service the pastor asked of there were any visitors present; a few of us raised our hands. She welcomed us, the audience applauded, and those seated around me shook my hand and introduced themselves. An attendant came running around giving each of us little Welcome Packets of info about their church. After the service many people were still welcoming me, and they invited me to come next door to the Fellowship Hall for refreshments. The refreshments were like what you'd find at any witness gathering. They said they do this every week. After that I got to chat with the pastor. Now I think I will go ahead and become a member, because it was such a delightful experience. Yes, this church does require tithing...but let's face it, there are expenses to be met in any group. And I always gave $ to the Hall, so why not here where I feel like I really am receiving something mentally beneficial.
The whole time I was there I felt a sense of freedom; I could wear what I wanted, I could have a beard - some had tattooes. I could get up and go to the restroom. No one was telling me how sinful I was and how I needed reminders. It was then that I realized that the WT really is a cult. A cult that destroys your self will and your self esteem, and your sense of individuality, and that beats you down and keeps telling you that you are worthless and that every move you make is displeasing to God, and that no matter how much you do it will never be enough. I noticed I kept thinking of the pastor as "Sister" so-and-so; I had to force myself to say "Reverend" so-and-so.
The lesson I am trying to convey is, sometimes it is only when you step out into the light that you realize you were in the dark.