Waking Up From a 34 Year Slumber.

by alg1052 48 Replies latest jw experiences

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  Chariklo

  Welcome!

  Don't rush to find a new spiritual home for yourself.

  The trivial issue of a small patch of facial hair is purely and simply a method of control, just as you perceived it to be. The ultimate in ridiculous!

  I am hardly qualified to give any advice, as against your 35 years of experience I merely have 14 months, and brief experience as an unbaptised publisher, but a very enthusiastic one. Although only very briefly I was taken in by a lot of the rhetoric until events woke me up and brought back my common sense. But I can empathise with your observations on publishers harassing people in a territory just to complete pioneer time. I saw it, along with individuals explicitly "making" time supposedly spent actively publishing but in reality not doing so, just to tot up the hours.

  Crazy.

  It must be very hard after 35 years. Even after a year, albeit a very intensive year, I found elements had gone in deep. This forum is a great help in regaining perspective and a calm mind.

  Stick around. You'll find many friends.
• 

  1975

  Alg1052, great post! You hit many areas that should make others sit up and take notice. You sent la letter with scriptural arguments to the org, and they ignored your concerns and scriptural arguments. I did what you did and I was stunned when I received their rely, it was only two sentences in length and they call this our mother org! They never focused on my concerns or what I had to say. Thier policy has not changed. Hang in there, I'm more than twice your age. Keep posting, you have many good ideas.

  1975
• 

  DesirousOfChange

  July 11, 2011 will be 34 years since I was baptised as one of JW's.

  10 years sooner than my eyes started to open. (Still squinting -- hard to handle the new light all at once!) haha Where have I heard that before?
• 

  Ultimate Reality

  Alg, welcome and remember that the emotions you face, and the ones you will yet face, have been dealt with by many on this board. Some end up going right back into a control group and others push through the difficulties and grow. Read the three books already mentioned and you'll build a foundation for understanding how this happened and set the stage for growing beyond it. And, if it is your choice to maintain your belief in Christianity, remember that Peter did not ask where will we go but to whom.
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  flipper

  ALG 1052 - Welcome to the board my friend . Isn't it incredible that they thought you having facial hair made you " rebellious " ? And even though you wrote the WT society and shared scriptures backing up your points - it was dismissed or NOT acknowledged ? If you want answers as to WHAT makes the Witnesses sit in a " hypnotic " state as you said and what makes the WT society ignore your letter's points - I agree with LEAVING WT - read " combatting Cult Mind Control " by Steve Hassan.

  I was born in and raised a Witness as well ( exited after 44 years over 7 years ago ) and I experienced a lot of injustices as well right before I exited. My slumber was awakened as well. You mentioned hanging around the Witnesses until " our Heavenly Father corrects the matter ". I understand that. I too once felt that way that Jehovah would step in and " discipline " or " correct " any elder committing injustices. But I noticed that year after year would go by- and NO correction would be given to elders who continued abusing their power or control over fellow Witnesses.

  So think about that for a minute. If sincere publishers pray for Jehovah to step in and keep his congregation elders performing their duties according to Scripture- yet NOTHING ever gets done by the WT society to correct it , in spite of them KNOWING the errors of said elders - what does that indicate to you as to WHO might really be running the organization ? Jehovah or the imperfect " faithful slave " ? Once it started occuring to me that it was the latter - I personally realized that holy spirit had NOTHING to do with the appointment of many of these elders. You may find that in your journey as well in your own time and way. Just know that we will be here for you friend if you need support and a hearing ear. Hang in there, and keep your chin up, O.K. ? Peace out, Mr. Flipper
• 

  carla

  Congratulations on your awakening!

  Regarding your future spiritual journey, have you considered just reading the bible and seeing what conclusions you come to? And I certainly do not mean for you to read the NWT! You will find you come to very different conclusions than you have been taught by the printing corporaton the WT. Maybe then you could go to different churches and find a suitable place for you to associate with others if that is what you choose. Keep in mind that in most Christian churches you need not agree 100% with the church and that's ok! God gave you a brain and doesn't mind when you use it. Best of luck in your journey.
• 

  Quandry

  Welcome to the forum.

  It is interesting that you used the expression a 34 year slumber. I felt the same way after being baptised for over thirty years. For all that time I let the organization do my thinking for me. I had no worries because the big A would be coming "soon." Now I am going on 60 years old. I regret so many things...not getting a college education, not traveling more because of field service every weekend, and distancing myself from my family. (Mom and Dad are gone now)

  I can't guide you to any other organization-I just fall into the category of "good people"-no promiscuity-no vices-but can't picture myself joining some other religious group with their "take" on things.

  Most of all, after your slumber, I hope you wake up to live itself-that is, enjoying being alive, and living up to your potential.
• 

  skeeter1

  Welcome!

  Skeeter

  p.s. When you wrote of your Co's homosexual comment....Perhaps he pictured in his how this type of facial hair might benefit a homosexual, male couple. But, a heterosexual couple might find it enjoyable too. Oh, JWs don't do those things....I'll leave it at that. My mind is a little off tonight, and I'm feeling punchy. Hope I don't offend. I just thought the CO's comment was ridiculous. Shows his mind is in the gutter.
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  luna2

  I agree that the WTS's main objective is controlling the flock and that they demonstrate that control by making little rules and seeing who will obey and who will question. Sometimes the rules aren't so little...like education. I understand why they don't want young witnesses to get an education...and its not because of all of the worldly influences, its because, if they learn critical thinking, they will start to apply what they've learned to the WTS and it will expose the whole sheebang for a tissue of lies. The big problem lies in having a congregation full of under-educated people who have trouble getting good paying jobs and making ends meet...how will they support the organization? I guess the WTS will next encourage the congregation to fast one day a week and donate the money saved to them.

  In regards to your facial hair flap, I mean, look at it. Its do unimportant that is laughable. But then they've always had a "thing" about facial hair. Hey, its easy to make edicts about and it demonstrates their iron control without costing anybody any money or too much difficulty.

  As for where you will go? That's the puzzle, isn't it. I worried about this for a couple of years, both before and after I made my decision to leave. The problem with witnesses is that they debunk other religions, so that when you realize they're a bunch of frauds too, there is no religion to go to. That's why so many ex witnesses become athiests. Others, especially if they weren't born in and have a religion in their background, go back to that religion. They don't have to believe it, its more of a security blanket, a retreat into their childhood. Its a place to find friends, and a social network...and its much easier than what they went through as witnesses. At any rate, its something all of us who have left have to face and deal with for ourselves. Look at it as an adventure in self discovery.

  Good luck to you.
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  TheListener

  Welcome Alg1052. I hear ya man. I am glad you found the board and posted. You are spot on about following the rules of men versus the Bible. I see my witness relatives and friends as the Pharisees of Jesus day more and more.

  It's dificult to sit at meeting after meeting getting frustrated and sometimes irritated with the crap that is spewed from the platform and the friends comments. Try not to let it get you down.

  You may need some down time but once you're ready you may find a nice small Bible study group just the thing you're looking for.

  Also, it would be good if you read the books others have suggested.