My apologies, VM44. My reply was meant to be seen as a bit of tongue-and-cheek humor (thus the reference to my bubee, who in reality has passed on). I forget that unless we make it clear, humor might not be read into our comments. I was trying to lighten things up a bit, lest I been seen as even taking myself too seriously.
And dark angle, the reference to an "open mind" is the one commonly used in the English vernacular, namely to be open to the possibilities, such as that my view on things can be incorrect. I'm sure, DA, that you wouldn't want me to close my mind to that possibility, are you?
But don't think I am looking down on atheism. In fact, I support atheists and have been active in fighting for their civil rights for a couple of years now. I don't have a beef against atheism.
What I do have a problem with is when we raise anything, religious or secular, to the same heights the Watchtower raises its doctrine to: the Great Panacea, and answer to all things.
And I also hate it when people claim that another ex-JWs beliefs or philosophies are "crap" or "junk." I don't believe atheism or religion is crap or junk. I do believe this particular debate about science vs. religion is misleading, but that doesn't mean that I think atheists are close minded or not grounded in reality for their beliefs. Why do you tear down your fellow ex-JW who may now embrace a religion or some aspects of spirituality by use of such language? Is it because you miss the feeling of having "the Truth" the Watchtower gave you? It's possible, because they taught us to feel that way. Should we leave that type of behavior behind with the Witnesses who love to be that and give each other support? We’ve all had so much rejection and hatred already from the JWs!
The reason behind what I posted and what I have been saying is not because I have anything against atheism or the general debate of science/religion itself. I am trying to expose how the Watchtower sometimes still infects our way of thinking and acting even once we leave. There's no difference between a Jehovah's Witness who claims they have it right and that other beliefs are crap and junk and ourselves if claim we have it right and are calling the beliefs of others crap or junk. We just changed brand names, but have kept the same clothing; we've adopted a new flavor, but its still "Kool-Aid."
Anyone who reads my words: if you are an exJW, no matter what you choose to believe after leaving the Watchtower behind, you have my support. I don't think anyone or their choices--unless they are just Watchtowerisms "wearing sheep's clothing"--are crap or junk. Even if you cherish conclusions and values different from mine, I will do more than tolerate them and you, I will always have your back and accept them and you. You don't have to believe like me to have my friendship, my love, my support and my respect.
