New Here!! (page 3)

WECOME. Im so jealous of your current freedom. But much congrats to you. What gets to me is how JW's feel they are so blessed by Jehovah. That any responsibities and priveleges are because Jehovah appoints and directs them. And yet look at what you did. Pioneer just to have them off your back. I seriously doubt Jah would appoint you if that was your motive. Jehovah-directed organization? I think not....

MrMonroe

Thanks for your story, Free, and welcome to the board. It's great to see people emerging through the other side of that mincing machine.

You hated the judgmentalism, and I think most of us would share your thoughts; it's often the miserable association we have with our "loving brothers and sisters" that drives us away. They watch and they judge. Even when they sense someone is falling, they do nothing to help, which puts a lie to their claim to be Christian and concerned for the welfare of others. My wife and I used to attend meetings for the last few years only to avoid being criticised, and I think many others do the same.

But I'm intrigued to know this: when and why did you start looking for websites such as this? Was there a point at which you made an intellectual decision that the organisation was wrong about doctrines or that it was baseless. (Maybe I'm being presumptuous: do you think that?) If so, was it hard pulling yourself away from the organisation and the overriding concept that they are God's Organisation™ and that you'd die if you left it?

sizemik

Welcome Free!! . . . Well done . . . looking forward to hearing more from you.

flipper

FREE !! - It's so nice to have you here. You really did good in putting forth a plan of exiting and carrying through with it. I too felt very intruded upon by the nosiness of elders and allegedly " well meaning " " brothers & sisters " who constantly wanted to know HOW I was doing just so they could spread gossip. Pissed me off too. I exited in 2003. So welcome to " freedom of mind " here on the board ! I wish you the best ! Peace out, Mr. Flipper

Knowsnothing

Lucky you! You get to fade... Wish you all the best, and welcome!

Free!!

Thanks everyone for welcoming me!!

But I'm intrigued to know this: when and why did you start looking for websites such as this? about 3 months ago, i wasnt really looking, i think deep down i still had some traces of guilt about looking at websites like this one, they hammered in my head how apostates are the work of the devil, etc.. and even thought i knew it wasn't true it was hard to let go of the fear... but my cousin and her husband (they are also members of this site) started their fading process and well now we have each other, and we talk about how we feel and she was the one who gave me this site... :)

Was there a point at which you made an intellectual decision that the organisation was wrong about doctrines or that it was baseless. (Maybe I'm being presumptuous: do you think that?) Yes, there was a moment where i finally felt like "WTF?? this people are full of $#!++" the first thing was the hypocricy and how they would bash each other merciless behind close doors but act all lovey dovey while the students where present.

If so, was it hard pulling yourself away from the organisation and the overriding concept that they are God's Organisation™ and that you'd die if you left it? It was extremely hard...because they brainwashed you into believing you cannot find friends outside, i was lonely and afraid of the world in general, i didnt have ANY friends outside the organization, they ruined my social skills and i still working on some of those issues... but i love my life away from them, now i KNOW they are not anything more than a publishing company and a cult!! I feel so Free!! :)

straightshooter

Glad you joined the group. Welcome.

NomadSoul

Welcome to the Board!

New Here!!

freedomisntfree

Billy the Ex-Bethelite

stillstuckcruz