Welcome Rip. Glad to hear that you are investigating other alternatives after leaving the dubs. Many decry any religion, while others go on to other fundy thinking churches. I hope you keep an open mind and don't limit yourself to just the bible. There's a great big wonderful world out there and you as well as your kids deserve to be exposed to all kinds of religious as well as non-religious thought. Only when you have given all options a fair shake can you have certitude that your choice is best for you.
I think God gave us the bible and the 10 comandments to follow. Follow the 10 comandments, I think you will be OK.. I always wonder if God is saying to himself "Man you people are taking this way to serious." It's all in the Ten Comandments.
Now, I may not be the bible's No.1 fan, but I do remember enough to know that Christains actually only now hold the first 2 commandments. Remember when the Pharassies had ask Jesus what was the greatest command?
Congrats on your impending marriage, enjoy your final moments of freedom (but not too much, of course ). The best thing to teach your children is that they should be openminded; they should treat each human with respect and not dislike someone just because their views are different. Humanity is great because of the variety of ideas that come forth from our minds, history shows that the stagnation of ideas results for the retardation of civilization. Respect your kids humanity and teach him to respect others and you'll probably have a well adjusted kid (i.e. not a JW ).
What has your religious path been since leaving the JW's? Have you joined another church or are you a "free lance" christain? Is your aversion to joining a religion where you have to "wear a cross around your neck" purely the result of your JW upbringing or have you had other bad religious experiences?
Go therefore and baptize the people in the name of the father and of the son... what the hell, we just need to bring up the yearbook numbers!
No I'm pretty much a free-lance christian. But I love God and I love my family, and I love my life.
Not bad huh.. Everything has been pretty good this year (2002), but if something comes up, I'll have to face it..
About the cross; it could be my JW upbringing, but they kinda spook me anyway, so I choose not to have them or wear them. But it's not that big of a deal. But who needs all the symbolism, believe what you know.
Hey Rip! I AM ALSO FROM HOUSTON! I am also starting a support group in the Houston area for ex-JWs or JWs who are thinking of leaving the org. I would really like it if you got in touch with me. I hope to hear from you soon.
"I have so much love to give, but no one to give it to."
Welcome. I myself am an atheist, so I really cannot give you any Christian direction. When people ask me about which church/religion to attend, I usually suggest Unitarian. They are spiritual and very open to all sorts of ideas. They are the antithesis of the JWs.
Regarding your possible children - make it clear to them that it is up to them to decide. Teach them basic morality, but don't push them toward or away from religion. That is what I plan on doing should I ever have a child.
"As every one knows, there are mistakes in the Bible" - The Watchtower, April 15, 1928, p. 126 Believe in yourself, not mythology. <x ><
Welcome to the board. Thanks for sharing! I'm in the Dallas area. I know things are confusing, but give yourself time and you'll realize where you stand. The good thing about being out is that you can decide for yourself. Look at it as starting with a clean slate. No rush to figure it out. You have all your life! In the meantime, enjoy the simple pleasures and have an attitude of gratefulness. Life becomes much more enjoyable.
